of Searcy, AR

June 3, 1925 - October 11, 2017

Martin F. (Frank) Gentry, 92, of Searcy passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 surrounded by the people he loved the most. Born on June 3, 1925, he was the youngest son of Walter Van Buren and Ethel Lovey Gentry. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living member of Searcy Faith Assembly of God Church.

Frank leaves behind his wife, best friend, and partner of 70 years, Helen Baugh Gentry; his son, Chuck and Joan Gentry of Searcy; his daughter, Donna and Eric Hutchinson of Conway; his grandchildren Amy Huett (Dino), Kristen Vanlandingham (Chad), and Matthew Gentry and their families which include his great grandchildren, Katie, Nick, Eric, MaKinley, Ava, Alivia, Megan and Claudia. He is celebrated and survived by his many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Frank was reunited in heaven with his parents; his brothers, Newton, Tom, and Doug; his sister Evelyn; and his precious grandson Bryan Walter Hutchinson.

A graduate of Searcy High School, Frank was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the South Pacific during the U.S. Occupation of Japan. Upon returning home, he attended Harding College on the G.I. Bill, followed by a life-long career in Civil Service as a postman and rural letter carrier. He was loved and respected by his coworkers and the many patrons he gladly served.

Frank spent his life in service to God and others, alongside his wife and partner, Helen. Together they spent 44 years as volunteers at Searcy Faith Assembly of God as church Secretary and Treasurer. He was on the deacon board of his church for many years, taught Sunday School, led the singing and worked in countless other ways for the church. After retiring, they joined Mission America Placement Service (MAPS) RV Volunteers of the Assemblies of God in 1987, traveling around the country in their RV with their dog, Chester for 10 years. They gave their time and skill to build and remodel churches and facilities in need. In his spare time, Frank could be found with his dear friends surrounding a campfire outside their RV's discussing the fish they had caught and were going to catch the next day.

A founding member of the Searcy Mission Quartet, music played a vital role in Frank's life. Being blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, he sang in the church choir and played multiple stringed instruments. He loved singing. Even toward the end of his life he often sang with his family, friends, and caregivers. A special joy in his life was listening to his daughter play gospel songs on the piano, while he sometimes played along on his mandolin.

Above all else, Frank was a family man. He loved his family unconditionally and always led by example. He challenged his family to live a life of service; to be accepting of all people and to respect the dignity of every man, woman, and child, regardless of our differences.
His wisdom and influence will be greatly missed, as will his ever-present love and encouragement to those who had the blessing of being a part of Frank's life.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Arkansas Hospice and his special nurse, Carrie, as well as his much-loved caregivers, Candace, Kim, and Liz.

Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Children's Home, 2325 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

The family will greet visitors on Sunday October 15, 2017 from 2:00 '''' 4:00PM at Roller Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Services will be on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Searcy Faith Assembly of God Church with burial following at Foster's Chapel Cemetery on Highway 16 N of Searcy.
For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

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