Earl Melton Towell

Earl Melton Towell, 81, of Paragould, former longtime Leachville resident, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. Born in Ida, he was the son of the late Lori and Ella Dill Towell and had lived most of his life in Leachville. Earl was a 1957 graduate of Leachville High School where he excelled in basketball. He later served in the U.S. Army and had worked as an auto mechanic for many years. Earl also worked for the former Buffalo Island Seed Company in Leachville and was a member of the Leachville Masonic Lodge. He  was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Laffoon Towell; one brother and two sisters.

Survivors include three sons, Scott Syferd of North Ridgeland Hills, Texas, Curtis Towell (April) of Paragould and D.J. Towell (Sandra) of Winterville, N.C.; one daughter, Micki Helms (Frank) of Blytheville; three brothers, Calvin Towell of Warm Springs, Ronnie Towell of Paragould and Bennie Towell of Monette. He also leaves nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. Floyd Bailey officiating. Burial will follow in Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday afternoon from 12 p.m. until service time. In compliance with the state's directive regarding COVID-19, attendance will be limited and face masks and social distancing will be required. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.