We are saddened to announce the death of our father James Simon Bednar who died August 10, 2023 of a broken heart. In November he lost the love of his life, Clara June, his wife of 63 years. His purpose and zeal for life was lost with her passing. He was broken and inconsolable. Our father was born, July 24, 1935 in Slovak, Arkansas. His parents Frank and Agnes Bednar, Sr. were farmers on the Grand Prairie. They were children of hard working immigrants who came to this country to live a dream of freedom and prosperity. They worked the land to provide food on the table, plowing the crop rows with mules and oxen. This was the hard life our father was born into but hard times are not dark times, especially when you are one of 10 children.
The mischief and antics the brothers and sisters got into made up for the tough times. All the brothers and sisters still reminisce about those days with the exception of Frank, Jr. who just passed away. Still living are Alfred, Bernice, Larry, Gerald, Vivian, Marilyn, Carolyn and Donald.
Our father worked the farm and graduated from high school at Stuttgart High School.
It was in the late 50’s that he met his true love, Clara June Isbell and they married August 16, 1959. We suspect that was the happiest day of his life. It wasn’t long and they started their own family with the birth of their sons, James and Randal.
Our father went to work for Riceland Foods and became a Maintenance Supervisor. He served as a staff sergeant in the National Guard and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hunter and duck guide and loved sporting. If he would have ever entered the World Duck Calling Championship, I can assure you that he would have won.
Our parents raised us kindly with love, teaching us to respect others, and be honest and true to our word. They raised us in the church as members of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas.
James Simon Bednar, Jr. is survived by his sons, James Kennon Bednar (Doug Mitchell) and Randal Kevin Bednar (Christy); grandson, Alex Bednar (Hannah) and two great-granddaughters, Abby and Ava.
James retired from Riceland Foods and continued a quiet life loving and taking care of our Mother. We miss our parents deeply, but we must wipe away the tears from our cheeks, because we know they are together again; no broken hearts and they are in the Glory of Christ’s Love. If only we could all be so fortunate to live a love story as theirs. God Bless you all.
Graveside Service September 23, 2023 at 11:00am at the St. Cyril and Methodist Catholic Cemetery in Slovak, Arkansas.
My heart breaks for you all…I never knew your daddy….but I worked with your sweet mother years ago at The Growing Tree daycare in Stuttgart. I loved her so very much and she talked about your daddy so often. What they shared was very special, they had a marriage that you don’t find much of in today’s world. My heart goes out to all of you and I am lifting you all in prayer. It does hurt to lose a parent and now you have lost them both. I do pray it will bring you all comfort knowing they are back together again and there will come a day that when God calls us home we will all be reunited with those we love. May you feel God’s arms surrounding you in His love, giving you His comfort and peace as only He can do.
Shelley Mitchell Carrigan
Kennon,
My deeper condolences to you and family.
This was the most heartfelt and wonderful tribute I’ve ever read. May God bless you all.
Carilyn, so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Toni and Vince Chiaro
Thoughts & Prayers are with ya’ll Marilyn & Carolyn & all of your Siblings. May God ✝️ Bless ya’ll! ✝️🙏✝️🤗🤗🤗
Wonderful tribute to your father!