William Paul Earnhart

Paul Earnhart, age 85, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, formerly of Caraway, died Monday morning at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born in Black Oak, Arkansas, Mr. Earnhart lived most of his life in the Caraway-Lepanto area before moving to Jonesboro 2 years ago. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Community of Christ Church in Caraway. At the time of his death, he was an an active member and retired minister of the Community of Christ Church having served in a variety of offices. Over the course of his lifetime he served as pastor of both the Caraway and Jonesboro congregations as well as served 12 years as District President for the Arkansas-Memphis District which included areas of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. He was instrumental in obtaining and developing Camp Powderfork, a Christian-based camping facility in Bald Knob, Arkansas, and was devoted to youth and family camping programs serving as camp director and many other capacities. He held the priesthood office of evangelist patriarch at the time of his death. His faithfulness and dedication to the work of the church have truly inspired a legacy of service and commitment in his family as well as in the lives of those whom he has touched. His greatest joys were derived from church work, farming, and his family.

He was a member of the Caraway Lions Club and past president of the Lepanto Lions Club.

He was a former scout master with the Caraway Boy Scouts and was preceded in death by his wife: Opal Carmack Earnhart; 2 brothers: Ralph Earnhart and H.A. Earnhart; and by a sister: Christine Cobb.

Survivors include:

1 Son: Gary Earnhart of Caraway;

2 Daughters: Janie Qualls of Lake City, and
Paula Earnhart of Caraway;

1 Brother: Dwayne Earnhart of Frostproof, Florida;

His Twin Sister: Pauline Jones of Black Oak;

8 Grandchildren: Debbie Fletcher of Jonesboro, Jill Miller of Lake City,
Karen Bruce of Monette, Kenny Qualls of Lake City, Michael Kelly of Lake City,
Jason Kelly of Memphis, Jenifer Earnhart of Jonesboro, and Christopher Earnhart of Caraway;

8 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro with Bruce Primm officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers include: Kenny Qualls, Michael Kelly, Jason Kelly, Christopher Earnhart,
Garrett Qualls, and Caleb Bruce.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Camp Powderfork,
P.O. Box 426, Lake City, AR 72437.