Bennie Authur Elder

Bennie Authur Elder, 68, of Blytheville, departed this life Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, with his family by his side. He was born June 21, 1951, in Blytheville to BF and Wilma Thomas Elder. Following high school, Bennie worked as a tool and die maker. He was the owner of Krage Tool and Manufacturing in Blytheville until he passed away. Bennie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blytheville and the Simian Society of America for the past 24 years. He was preceded in death by his father, BF Elder.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karline Gonter Elder of Blytheville; daughter, Tina (Chris) Davis of Conway; two sons, Ben (Sarah) Elder II of Omaha, Neb., and Dan (Katrina) Elder of Kalispell, Mont.; 12 grandchildren, Collin Davis, Autumn Davis, Zach Shuck, Kevin Elder, Branden Elder, Payten Elder, Justin Elder, Benjamin Elder, Jaden Bennett, John Roman, Kyler Elder and Bailey Elder; two sisters, Belinda Yeager (Joey) Hamlett of Kennett, Mo., Beverly (Charlie) Kemp of Johnston City, Ill.; three brothers-in-law, Robert (Mary) Gonter, Kari (Wendy) Gonter, Ben Gonter, along with a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a bonus daughter, Malin Arteus of Sweden. Bennie also leaves behind some special animals, including Emily and Bubba, along with numerous friends.  

Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blytheville. Mass will begin at 1 p.m. with Father Ernest Hardesty officiating. 

The family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Smith and his staff in Blytheville as well as the great doctors and nurses at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro for their care given to Bennie.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Faith Funeral Service of Manila, (870) 561-1197, www.faithfuneralservice.net.