Mr. Joe Don Webb, age 92 of Hope, Arkansas passed away Monday January 6th at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope.


Mr. Webb was born January 3rd, 1928 in Durant, Oklahoma to Rufus and Ruby Sutton Webb. He grew up in Hugo, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school before entering the US Navy in 1946. Upon his discharge, he moved to Hope where his family had relocated. On August 10th, 1949, he married Nellie Jean Bailey. They were married nearly 58 years until her death in 2007.


Mr. Webb was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brothers Calvin Webb and Rufus Webb, Jr.
Survivors include his son Bruce Webb of Hope, his brother Charlie Webb of Blevins, and a special friend, Vera Moore, of Hope. Other survivors include a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Mr. Webb was employed by the city of Hope fire department for 43 years. He spent the last 21 of those years as Fire Chief. He is fondly remembered for his successful efforts in fighting the 1984 downtown fire.


He was a long-time member of the Hope Kiwanis Club as well as Garrett Memorial Baptist Church where accepted Christ. He served on the 3rd District Fair Board and was an avid cattleman. Mr. Webb also was a musician of note. He performed on KXAR Radio in Hope with his brother and members of the original Hempstead County Melody Boys and later served as the rock-solid rhythm guitarist for the modern-day incarnation of the group from 1988 until his final performance with the group on New Year's Eve at Heather Manor.


Funeral service 10:00am Thursday January 9th at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope with Bro. Larry Silvey officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Hope under the direction of Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope. Visitation will be one hour before the service.


Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director. Online registry: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com