Harold Junior Blocker

Harold Junior Blocker, 77, of Kennett, Mo., formerly of Leachville, passed from this life Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at his home. Born in Leachville he was the son of the late Lloyd Eugene and Charlcie Smith Blocker and had been raised in the Leachville area. Harold was a 1958 graduate of Leachville High School and a 1962 graduate of Arkansas State University where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Education. He was a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air National Guard with more than 31 years service. He was also retired as a science teacher at Delta C-7 School District in Deering, Mo., with over 40 years of service. When he retired with the Air National Guard he was the operations officer for the 154th Tactical Airlift Training Squadron at the Little Rock Air Force Base. As a command pilot, he accumulated more than 4,000 flying hours in military aircraft. He had flown a number of aircraft during his career including the RF-101 "Voodoo," KC-135 Stratotanker, and the C-130 Hercules. After serving four years in the Air Force he returned to his teaching career.

He had been active in a number of organizations including The National Guard Association of Arkansas, Missouri Teachers Association, the Delta Ruritan Club of Deering, the Advisory Board of Pemiscot County Vocational School, and had served as liaison officer for the U.S. Air Force Academy. Colonel Blocker's military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three devices, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal with four devices, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

An avid cook and grillmaster, he enjoyed all types of aircraft and motorcycles. He was currently active in The Boogaloo Riders of Kennett, Mo., and the Patriot Guard Motorcycle Group. He was also a member of the Slicer Street Church of Christ in Kennett.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Jody Lewis Blocker in 2006, his brother, Darrell E. Blocker, and a sister, Geneva Smith.

Survivors include his daughter, Kara Holt and husband Bart of Jonesboro; one stepdaughter, Laura Whitfield of Kennett; six sisters, Joan Winstead of Jonesboro, Trecia Stiles of Plant City, Fla., Becky Leonard of Cordova, Tenn., Deloris Austin and Dora Biggerstaff, both of Leachville and Dola Henderson of Atkins. He also leaves three stepgrandchildren, Kailan Whitfield, Sean Whitfield and Leo Whitfield.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Spencer Furby officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Lulu Cemetery in Senath. The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

The family requests any lasting memorial be made to the Children's Homes, Inc. 5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR 72450.

Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com