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Submitted: 1/30/23 • Approved: 1/31/23 • Last Updated: 2/3/23 • R1468471-G0-S3
Nov 19, 1940 - Jan 14, 2023
*Obituary
Louis E. Stell, 82, of Conway was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.
He was born Nov. 19, 1940, to the late Joseph A. and Velma Anderson Stell. Louis was a long-time member of Central Baptist Church in Conway. Louis made a lasting impression on his hometown. Being born and raised in Conway he was president of his class, played football, and basketball for the Wampus Cats and graduated from Conway High School. He attended the University of Central Arkansas and was a proud member of the Purple Circle Club, he also graduated from numerous banking schools. At the age of 22, Louis found his calling in the financial industry and was involved in banking in Conway for 40 years. He began his career as a teller at First State Bank & Trust and worked his way through the ranks, retiring as President and CEO of First National Bank/Regions Bank. During his time as president, First National Bank earned several special recognitions, including an Arkansas Quality Achievement Award.
He was an avid supporter of the United Way and supported a number of other organizations and served on their boards including the Conway Chamber of Commerce, Conway Corporation, Conway Regional Health Foundation, Faulkner County Beef Cattle Industry, President of the Faulkner County 4-H Foundation, Advisory Committee for Central Baptist College, Conway Symphony Orchestra and President of the Conway Development Corporation. Louis was named in 1997 among Faulkner County's "Most Influential" residents by the Log Cabin Democrat. In 1999 he was recognized with the Guy Murphy Distinguished Service Award, the Chamber's highest form of recognition. Louis had a big impact on the careers of many involved in banking. He was a good boss and he believed in teaching people.
Louis adored his wife Judy, and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, playing golf and his friends at the round table. You could always find Louis sitting on the back porch waving at the golfers going by or working outside on the lawn, which was his pride and joy.
Preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Flodene Mason, Maxine Stell, Lorene Jones, Bill Stell, Doyne Stell, Ray Stell, Danny Stell and Sherry Rimmer.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judy Stell; children, Lana Mckinney (Danny), Lance Stell, Stephanie Hart (Terry) and Heather Steely (Don); grandchildren, Misty Goff (Jeff), Josh Hart (Rebecca), Brett Hart (Lindsey), Millie Teague, James Looney (Miranda), Cara Lantrip (Nick) and David Thieme (Lauren); great grandchildren, Rayleigh, Owen, Hudson, Mia, Bella, Afton, James, Dax, and expecting the arrival of Miles any day; sisters-in-law, Mary Stell, Maxine Stell, Wanda Stell, Annie Stell and brother-in-law, Don Pruitt, and Butch Rimmer; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 at Central Baptist Church.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at Central Baptist Church with burial following to Thorn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Central Baptist Church, 3333 Dave Ward Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034.
Arrangements made with Wilcox Family Funeral Home, 108 North Broadview Street, Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058, www.wilcoxfamilyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Published by Log Cabin Democrat from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2023.
Contributed on 1/30/23 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1468471