Jeff Redden

Mr. Jeff Redden, 60, of Blytheville, died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, in Newport. He was on his way to Hot Springs to take care of family business when he became ill.

He was born in Mayfield, Ky., to J.D. Redden and Betty Young Redden July 14, 1952. For 40 years, Mr. Redden owned and operated Redden Services, Inc., a lawn and chemical company. He was on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Turf Grass Association, a member of the Chickasawba Shooting Club, the Arkansas Quarter Horse Association and the National Rifle Association. He was also a very active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Blytheville. Church was very important to him and he always went to church, even if they were out camping. He was a good Christian, honorable man, who supported many ministries of the church.

Jeff enjoyed going camping with his family, riding his horses, target practice, and hunting with his dogs. He was especially fond of his golden retrievers.

His hobbies can be summed up by saying he loved horses, dogs, guns, and most of all, his family. He talked about his children all the time. He was so proud of them! He usually wore his cowboy boots and hat, and his grandchildren called him "Cowboy Jeff." His wife said that he was the best husband in the world, and that she had waited all her life to find him. His family described him as "caring, generous, and gentle, with a tender heart."

Jeff loved for Marianne to cook for him. He was a meat and potatoes man! He wanted beef or pork -- no chicken. He didn't like "foo-foo" food. He said that if he couldn't spell it, he wouldn't eat it! He had a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.D. Redden.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne McKinney Redden of Blytheville;

One daughter, Emily Redden Smith and husband, Jeremy, of Jonesboro;

One son, Matthew Redden of Blytheville;

A step-daughter, Emily Stump of Jonesboro;

A step-son, J.D. Stump and wife Candice of Nixa, Mo.;

His mother and step-father, Betty and Gerald Brown of Blytheville;

One brother, Don Redden and wife, Nancy, of Cave City;

A step-sister, Lisa Brown of New Orleans;

Two grandchildren, Katherine Stump and Harrison Stump of Nixa, Mo.; and

A special cousin, Richard Gaines and wife, Patti, of Pocahontas.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. tonight at Carney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Carney Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Strong officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com