Jon Burgess Beckwith, age 61, of Hazen, Arkansas, passed away on April 1, 2026.
Born on August 17, 1964, Jon was the son of Betty Pearl and Sam Beckwith and Lyle Reynolds. He spent his early years in Tollville, his family’s namesake community, before later moving to Pine Bluff where he graduated from Watson Chapel High School earning the title of All-State Linebacker. Jon went on to meet the love of his life, Carrie Carter. The two were married on June 11, 1988, and returned to the family farm, where Jon took the reins of the farming operation. Together, they welcomed two sons, Blake and Logan.
During the winter months, Jon spent his days guiding hunters through Whistling Wings Guiding Service, which he founded, making sure everyone had a good time. Jon’s greatest joys included hunting, fishing, his two boys, calling the Hogs, and later in life being known as “Paw Hog” to his two cherished grandsons, Graham and Baker.
Jon loved the Lord deeply, devoted himself to studying the Bible, and shared his testimony many times, always happy to share his faith and love for the Lord with others. He was also known for his musical talents and his love for the electric guitar, as well as his routine appearances in the popular Hee Haw shows held in Hazen. He almost made it big as a member of Willy Bondolly and the 5 Leaver Band, — a chapter of life he remembered with great joy and laughter.
Jon never met a stranger and had a heart as big as his smile, something reflected in the many friendships he built throughout his life. To know Jon was to love him, and you could be certain he was always rooting for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carrie; and his son, Logan.
He is survived by his son, Blake Beckwith (Sydney); his grandsons, Graham Logan and Baker Hayes; his sisters, Tanya Johnson (Joe) and Jennifer Duck (Ricky); his brother-in-law, Sammy Ray Whiting (Nancy); and his nephews, Josh Johnson, Gage Johnson, Trevor Duck, Austin Duck, Barrett Whiting, and Austin Whiting.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Tollville, with interment immediately following at Hazen Cemetery.
In honor of Jon’s lifelong love and support for the Arkansas Razorbacks, please wear your favorite Hogs or red attire as you join in celebrating his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arkansas Razorbacks NIL Fund at www.thelinku.com/Arkansas.