Casey Curtis, Communications Coordinator

HOPE/TEXARKANA, AR – July 7, 2021

The family of Chester Lee Carrigan donated $10,000 today to establish the Chester Lee Carrigan Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.

Carrigan was a dedicated member of Union Missionary Baptist Church for 37 years, where he served as a trustee, chorus member, and leader in the culinary department. He graduated from Blevins High School, Arkansas College of Technology (BA), and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (AAS Funeral Service Education). He provided for his family over the years through his work at Pepsi Cola, ChamberDoor, Keith Smith, Harris Funeral Home, Brandon’s Funeral Home, Stewart Enterprise, and Gross Funeral Home.

Chester later combined his life and educational experiences to establish two businesses that allowed him to give back to others as a passionate servant. He gave generously through Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services, Inc. (Owner/Director/Embalmer) and Precious Memories by C & C Catering (Owner), both in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  He served thousands of families, dedicating numerous hours to ensure that every detail of their homegoing or special event exceeded expectations. As the Owner/Director of the funeral home, he meticulously captured the essence of the life of those he served with the words he etched into their eulogies.  “To Chester, his work was a ministry, and this scholarship was established to show reverence for his dedication to the profession he loved,” said Ebony Carrigan, daughter.

The scholarship will be awarded for $250 per semester. Qualified applicants must actively pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service Education degree at UAHT, maintain twelve credit hours, and have an overall 2.5 GPA.

For more information, visit uaht.edu/scholarships or call 870-722-8174.