Harlen (H.L.) Louis Stonewalter

H.L. Stonewalter (born Harlen Louis), 86, of Wilburn passed away Friday, January 15, 2021 in Heber Springs Arkansas.  H.L. was one of five children born September 9, 1934 to Ola Payton and Harry L. Stonewalter.  He and his wife of fifty-one years, Clara Robbins Stonewalter, were the parents of eleven children, twenty-three grandchildren, thirty-eight great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

Born and raised in Wilburn, Arkansas, H.L. held many positions including the Glove Factory (where he and Clara met), Red River Feed Co, Tharp’s and the Sink House. Many countertops in the Heber area are probably a result of his many years there.  H.L. also worked for several years with O.L. Payton.

An avid horseman, he was honored when an article “The Last of the Cowboys” appeared in the Sun Times. It was written by his friend, Jim Ferguson.

H.L. and Clara were active in riding clubs for many years prior to a serious accident which caused him to lose a leg (and almost his life), taking away his life-long love of riding.

H.L. loved to travel. His secret love after Arkansas was Colorado, which he spoke of often and with fondness.  H.L. and Clara traveled to many western states and their picture albums are filled with photos of the good times they had on vacation.

H.L. was well known for his infectious smile and eyes that twinkled with mischief. While he enjoyed the company of his family, he preferred smaller gatherings of us (there are a lot of us). As a resident of Stonebridge, he was known and loved, by staff and members and will be missed.

H.L. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  His great grandchildren often referred to him as “old grandpa” a loving tribute to someone they visited often. One of his daughters remarked how he always planted pansies in his flower garden every year and we like to think it was a tribute to his baby sister, Pansy, who he watched over and protected even after she was grown.

H.L. was a member of Friendship Community Church on Dry Mountain Road.

H.L. was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-one years, Clara; his parents, Ola Payton and Harry Stonewalter; three sisters, Rosalee Roberson, Fern Latch and Awnee Hackworth.  As the only son, his mother often referred to him as the thorn among the roses. 

He is survived by his youngest sister, Pansy McCartney; six sons: Steven Phillips, Harlen Stonewalter, Ronald Stonewalter, David Stonewalter, Terry (Teresa) Phillips, Gerald (Diane) Stonewalter, five daughters: Sharon (Rick) Schenck, Shirley (Bill) Barnes, Lisa Undercoffler, Nita (Casey) Chastain, Rita (Harlan) Davis and many other family and friends in the community.

There will be a graveside service only on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 2:00 PM at Magness Cemetery in Wilburn.  The family requests that attendees at the cemetery follow Covid rules – masks and social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Magness Cemetery, Nellie Lacy, PO Box 91, Wilburn, AR 72179 would be appreciated.

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