Vannen Thomas Merrell

Vannen Thomas Merrell, 81, of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Vannen was a life-long resident of Jonesboro and a retired farmer. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Craighead County and later of Arkansas, and Farm Family of the Year in 1972. He enjoyed hunting and fishing all of his life and particularly enjoyed being outdoors. He was preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Merrell.

Vannen is survived by his children, Vanessa Merrell Adams of Batesville, David Merrell and his wife Dawn of Jonesboro, and Donald Merrell of Bentonville;
2 brothers: Larry Merrell of Hardy and Eddie Merrell of Jacksonville, Florida;
2 sisters; Cindy Merrell and Tammy Merrell, both of Florida; and
2 grandchildren, Emily Merrell and Reece Merrell, both of Jonesboro.

Graveside funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Larry Merrell officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401.