Lawrence Allen Stine of Des Arc, a retired rice farmer and businessman, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on April 15, 2014. He was born April 16, 1930, in the Fairmount Community, Prairie County, Arkansas to Clyde and Estella Stine. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 63 years, Melba Stine; three children, Alan Stine and wife, Cheryl of Fort Worth, Cindy Watkins and husband, Keith of Springdale, and Carla Springstead and husband, Gary of Des Arc; six grandchildren, Brooke Hood and husband, Caleb, Courtney Watkins, Casey Vincent and husband, Jason, Clayton Myers and wife, Liz, Erica Wood and husband, Patrick, and Alex Springstead; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, twin, Florence Mitchell and Shirley Sims; sister-in-law, Marion Simmons and numerous family members and a host of friends.
Lawrence served as founder, deacon and music leader for many years of his beloved church. Anyone who was interested could always get a gospel song from him or even hitch a ride to a good old fashion gospel sing also most weeks. Without exception each gathering of extended family ended with joyous singing, as each piano player tired, another family member would take over and the singing continued.
His father, grandfather, uncles and father-in-law were all pioneers of the rice farming industry in Prairie County. He was active in leadership of the local farmer owned grain co-operative, Des Arc Grain Drying Co-operative, today a Riceland Foods facility with 29 years of service as President. He was also active in several business ventures in the Des Arc area after retiring from farming. In his later years, he teamed up with a good friend and discovered that hauling hot shot freight was enjoyable and proved a great way to put one of his great to work, making new friends. His passion for the art of stained glass also emerged during retirement and he dearly loved to share his ideas and projects with all who would listen.
As most farmers involved in the agriculture industry are, Lawrence was an avid hunter and fisherman. While hunting and fishing are learned as a skill in early life to provide food for the family the farming heartland of America, it went beyond this necessity for him. Hint, if you make it to his home ask to see his favorite fishing picture. He also loved traveling to theNorth Dakota area for pheasant hunting during the annual hunting season with his fellow hunting and farming friends.
Visitation for Lawrence is Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. at his home in the Des Arc area. Graveside services will follow at the Hazen Cemetery. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Alan,
My most sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers are lifted up for you, your mother, sisters and the entire family. May our Heavenly Father comfort each of you as only He can during this difficult time in your lives.
I pray that God strengthens you as you suffer the loss of your father and husband. I remember him as a kind, intelligent and engaging man.
Dear Florence:
May God be with you as you, your family and friends grieve for your beloved brother. Lawrence was a respected friend and classmate, one I held in high esteem then and forever after.
Dear Alan,
A man who raised a man like you will never die. Maybe his body left us but his soul, his good reputation, and his wonderful successors will always be present.
May God Almighty be with you and your family during this hardship.
My sincere condolences.
A friend now and forever. God recived an angle .
My family and our church have been praying for you all. Brother Lawrence was a true Christian and he will be missed; in this community, he will be missed by his church and by his friends.