Obituaries

FORT SMITH — Jane McGraw Wilson of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away on Oct. 6, 2017. Jane was born in Fort Smith, Ark., on Sept. 28, 1935 to George and Beulah McGraw Sr., and lived out her entire life in the city that she loved. After graduating from Fort Smith High School in 1953, she attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she earned her degree in Education. Jane’s first career was that of school teacher where she taught physical education at Darby and Chaffin for many years. After her teaching career, she became involved in rental property management. Jane had such a unique set of skills and drive; she excelled in her second career, same as her first.

Jane was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority during her U of A years, where she developed and nurtured lifelong friendships with so many. She held many volunteer roles throughout her life in support of the Tri-Delta missions and objectives, including serving on the House Corporation Board for over 30 years. She was so proud that both her daughter and later her granddaughter, also became Tri-Deltas. Jane was involved in community organizations throughout her adult life, including directorship roles with Girls, Inc., the Junior League, and many others. She was a member of the First Presbyterian church, where her father was an Elder, and more recently attended the Fort Smith First United Methodist church and The Discussion Sunday school class, which became so very dear to her.

Jane stayed connected with her friends, she loved to make new friends, organize parties, garage sales, or just about anything involving getting people together. The Razorback watch parties that Jane put on were always a thrill whether the game was or not. Jane could always be counted on to attend her friends events and was always the last to leave. Jane was an avid bridge player, and looked forward to bridge day almost as much as hair day. Really, it was every day that Jane looked forward to, and she remained busy and active to the end. Jane was a rock for her family. She planned vacations for her family with every spare moment of her time, and annual trips to Branson Mo., for her ever expanding family which will be cherished forever. Jane will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church with the interment at Oak Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.

Jane is survived by her daughter Diana Davidson Engeler (Rodney) of Conway,

her son James Garland “Jay” Davidson III (Jan) of Fayetteville, and four grandchildren Eric Engeler (fiancé Sarah Beth Edwards), Alex Engeler, Matthew Davidson (Suzannah) and Ashley Davidson, a nephew Rick McGraw and a niece Marcie McGraw Fallik. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother George McGraw Jr., first husband James Garland Davidson Jr., second husband Neil Wilson, and grandson Jacob Alan Engeler.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, along with Rodney Engeler and Jay Jones.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Girls, Inc.’s, P.O. Box 1253, Fort Smith, Ark. 72902, or a charity of your choice.

To send an online tribute, go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

PARIS — Frankie J. Crossland, 84, of Paris passed away Sunday.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, at the Roller Funeral Home in Paris.

Funeral Service: 10 a.m., Wednesday at the Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris by Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris.

WEST FORK — Martin Christopher Thaler, 81, of West Fork passed away Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at his home. He was born Oct. 27, 1935 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Martin N. and Hedwig Frick Thaler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, who immigrated from Germany. Martin was very proud of his German heritage including his love of music, which included playing the clarinet in German bands with relatives. He was also preceded in death by a son, Jim Thaler and a stepson, Tony Sweigart.

Martin was a Navy veteran having served during the Korean War. He retired from AARP after 29 years of loyal service as Director of Purchasing. Martin loved baseball, he coached little league in his younger years; loved the Baltimore Orioles; and was a loyal fan of the N.Y. Yankees. He adapted to his new surroundings and became an avid Razorbacks fan.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Long Thaler of the home; a daughter, Lori Thaler of California.; a son, Martin Thaler; step-children, Angela Gallagher and husband, Daniel, Jessica Harasek and husband, J.P., Sarah LeClair and husband, Michael and Taylor Sweigart; grandchildren, Fiala, Caleb, Nyah, Ayla, Helana, Layla and Parker; a sister, Louise Haglund; and nieces and nephews.

Martin was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 at Hyland Park Assembly of God where he was a member. Martin loved his church and church family. He was devoted to God, praying until the end. Pastors Brad Redding and Dean Jones will be officiating. Interment will follow in the West Fork Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017 at the funeral home.

Condolences at www. beardsfuneralchapel.com.