Victor Ivan Songer

Victor Ivan Songer of Jonesboro peacefully passed away on January 10, 2010 at St. Bernards Medical Center in the presence of his loving daughters. Victor was born on August 21, 1922 in Bono and was a wonderful, loving father to his children. His daughters and sons-in-law-survive him, Sarita and Doug McCarty and Trina and Michael Schuler, who will all deeply miss him. He is also survived by three sisters Eunice Wimpy, Annice Scott, Laveda and Ray Scott, dear friend Luke Wimpy, special grandson, Kyle Schuler, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five step-great children, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dogs.

He was preceded in death by the tragic loss of his son, Vic Songer, Jr. and his parents, Ezra and Clara Songer. Victor was in the Army Air Corp in WWII and was captured and imprisoned by the Japanese for 3 and 1/2 years, surviving the infamous Bataan Death March. He survived the horrific Hell ship trip from the Philippines to Japan and the brutal conditions of working in a lead mine in the snowy Japanese mountains. Returning from the war determined to live a good life, he succeeded and farmed rice and soybeans in Desha County for many years. Victor quickly made friends wherever he was and was widely recognized as an honest man with a keen sense of humor who always kept his word. He enjoyed playing golf, poker, gin rummy, and remained a domino champion until his last days. He is going to be sorely missed by his daughters and all who had the great good fortune to know him.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of Mt. Carmel Church where Victor was a member.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 at Emerson Funeral Home and services will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m.in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Edward Pruett and Michael Schuler officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, 4000 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72404.