Edwin Holstead

Edwin Holstead, 90, of Blytheville passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Edwin was born in Blytheville and was the son of David LeRoy and Addie Blankenship Holstead. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy and served during the Korean conflict. He was stationed aboard the USS Black, a Navy destroyer. He loved his time in the Navy and especially the time he spent in Japan. After his stint in the Navy, he came back home. One day he walked into the Blytheville courthouse and saw a cute girl and asked her out. Not much later he and his wife, of 65 years, Cherry Sue Barnes, were married on Jan. 11, 1953. He worked in different fields and was very good with his hands. He first found work in Kansas City, then St. Louis, but Blytheville was calling them home. It was here that he started working for the United States Post Office as a letter carrier. He first had a city route, then moved on to a rural route. His patrons loved him and were always giving him gifts and treats. He still had a real desire to serve his country, so he signed up for the National Guard. He was a part of the historic guard that was sent to Little Rock Central High that was federalized by Eisenhower in 1957. After serving in the Guard, he transferred to the naval air station in Millington, Tenn., where he could continue his service in the Navy Reserve. It was here, he would complete 37 years of service to the United States. He rose to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

Edwin could never be idle. He was busy in many areas of the community and church. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Blytheville. He participated in the choir, a mission trip to Belize, the deacons and as head of the deacons and in his Sunday school class. He also drove for many years the bus for the bus ministry early on Sunday morning to pick up children for church. He loved serving his church and the Lord. Edwin was instrumental in getting the community college established here in Blytheville. He put in many hours pushing the idea when no one wanted it. Edwin served on the Board of Trustees from 1987 until 1992 and subsequently on the MCCC/ANC Foundation Board of Governors until his death. He was also a board member and chair of several community organizations in Blytheville; the Disabled Workshop and the Mission, along with the Optimist, Lions and Rotary Clubs. He still had time to start extra businesses. His first business was Lite Bright. He would replace commercial lighting in the local businesses as well as repair them. He also started, in partnership with his great friend Randall Hawks, Suburban Terrace trailer park. He also had several rental properties around town. Edwin was always available to help when asked. He wanted to help others. It was his spiritual gift. He used it often. Not only did Edwin have a love for his church, he had a love for animals, hunting and golf. He and Cherry Sue shared a passion for travel. As soon as they came home from one trip, they were planning their next.

Edwin leaves his children, Daniel Edwin (Margaret Ann) Holstead, Kim (Calvert) Benedict, and Tammy (Dave) Aleshire; 10 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren; sister, Kay Holstead Sieving; brother, Reginald Holstead; and a very special brother-in-law, Don Barnes.

The family rejoices in the comfort that he has been received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 6, at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Ron Wilcoxson officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time at First Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.