Rufus Stidman Jr.

Rufus Stidman, Jr., 92, of Jonesboro, AR, departed this life on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born January 27, 1930 in Monette, AR to the late Rufus Sr. and Mary Vannie (Miller) Stidman. He was a graduate of Stanford High School in Greene Co, AR. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served from 1949-1953 during the Korean War. After his military service, he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in the Marshall Islands testing the hydrogen bomb. Before retiring, he worked over 25 years as an insurance adjuster. He was a Christian and a proud member of the Valley View Church of Christ. He spent a lot of time with friends and family, and especially enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and watching the Cardinals play baseball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Gloria Jean (Futrell) Stidman; sisters Sammie Jo Johnson, BettyJean Barmer, and Martha Jane Tyner; and brothers Murray Stidman, Dale Stidman, and Preston Stidman.

He is survived by his sons Brent Stidman (Patty) of Jonesboro, and Jeff Stidman (Terry) of Jonesboro; eight grandchildren, Jared Stidman, Jonathan Stidman, Jason Stidman, Hannah Curtis (Kenny), Sarah Freer (Wade), Adam Stidman (Grace), Lance Waters, Nathan Waters (Ash) and 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the Emerson Memorial Chapel on Monday, October 17, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral services to follow at 10:30 a.m.  with David Gibson and Spencer Furby officiating. Burial at Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to Valley View Church of Christ (4500 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72404), Truth for Today World Mission School (2209 Benton Ave., Searcy, AR 72143), or a charity of your choice.

To sign an online guestbook, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com.