William "Bro. Mike Widner" Michael Widner

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 N. Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
Sunday, April 7, 2013
2:00 to 6:00 PM
Service Schedule
Church
Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church
179 DeVito Loop
Harrison, AR  72601
Monday, April 8, 2013
2:00 PM
Cemetery
Alpena Cemetery
Cedar Road
Alpena, AR  72611
Memorial Contributions
The Gideon's International
4097 Acorn Drive
Harrison, AR  72601
William "Bro. Mike Widner" Michael Widner

of Alpena, AR

May 6, 1943 - April 4, 2013

William Michael Widner, age 69, of Alpena, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born May 6, 1943, at Burlington, Arkansas, the son of Claud and Virgie (Youngblood) Widner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elva Marie Clampitt.

Bro. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Ella Faye (Bailey) Widner, of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Karen Michele and Terry Ward, of Claremore, Oklahoma; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott Michael and Kim Widner, of Alpena; nine grandchildren, Ezekiel Ward of Claremore, Joshua Ward of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lydia Ward and Hannah Ward of Claremore and Lauren Widner, Stephen Widner, Jonathan Widner, Moriah Widner and Caleb Widner, all of Alpena; his sister and brother-in-law, Lillie Mae and Carroll Seals, of Cottage Grove, Oregon; three nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Mike loved his Lord Jesus Christ most of all and sharing the Gospel of Christ. On April 27, 1969, he professed his faith in Christ and was saved. In September 1971, he surrendered his life to preach the Gospel. He pastored at Pyatt Baptist Church, Osage Baptist Church, Tomahawk Baptist Church, Rudd Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Alpena Baptist Church and was a member of Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church. Wherever he pastored, Bro. Mike saw to it that any child could go to church camp and was always excited to be a part of Vacation Bible School. Mike's heart's desire was to see all people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to grow in their walk with Christ.

Mike loved his wife of 50 years, Ella Faye, whom he married June 22, 1962. From this he poured his love into his children and grandchildren. With Mike's love and service for his God, he changed the lineage for his whole family.

Mike loved his farm. After working for Duncan Industries for 40 plus years, he got to spend more time watching over his cattle and attending bull sales.

Bro. Mike was loved by his family and many dear friends. He was a spiritual warrior to the end!



Funeral service was Monday, August 8, 2013, at Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Mark Enloe officiating.

Visitation was Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Interment will be in Alpena Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Eddie Pillow, Don Arnold, Caleb Widner, Ezekiel Ward, Joshua Ward, Stephen Widner, Jonathan Widner and Joe Ellis.

Honorary pallbearers were the Berean Sunday School Class and Adult Discipleship Training Class of Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church.




Memorials may be made to Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church Children & Youth Camps, 179 DeVito's Loop, Harrison, AR, or to The Gideon's International, 4097 Acorn Drive, Harrison, AR 72601.






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11 Condolence(s)
Larry adams
Abilene, TX
Liked
Sunday, August 13, 2023

I was Mikes room mate at the school of the ozarks 1961. I have no idea if anyone will ever see this but want mikes family to know that God worked in both our lives. I was saved in 1962 at First Baptist Church in Branson Mo. I also followed Gods call to preach and retired after 42 years preaching in Kansas, Louisiana., Texas, Alabama, and back to Texas.

Ella Faye mike only wanted to marry you and he loved you all his life.



Rebecca
Moore,
Liked
Saturday, June 8, 2013

This man has been a lot of things to me. He was once my family. My prayers for each precious member of this family as the days pass and the memories flood in. Thoughts, prayers and lots of love to you all.

Gene and Nancy Rose
Lamar,
Liked
Friday, May 3, 2013

Ella Faye and family, our prayers are with you. So sorry for you sorrow. Mike was a good Christian and was loved by everyone who knew him.

Sharon Phillips
Gentry, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 13, 2013

Ella Faye, we just heard about Mike and wanted to let you know how sorry Dwight and I were to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. From looking at the video it looks like you and Mike had a wonderful 50 years together with lots of love and family. So much more than many people have. Hopefully you can take comfort in that. I will be thinking of you.

William & Ann May
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Was really sorry to read of Mike's passing in the newspaper. I know he will certainly be missed. He was a great man.

Debbie McDonald
Kingsville, MO
Liked
Monday, April 8, 2013

Ella Fay so sorry to hear about your loss... Brother Mike was a good man ..he touched so many lifes and hearts including me, Tyler and Whitney's! Our prayers, love and hugs go out to you and your family! He will be deeply missed by many! <3 All our love and prayers! Debbie Tyler and Whitney

Blaine & Pam Richardson
Harriaon, AR
Liked
Monday, April 8, 2013

We were out of town over the weekend & just read about in the paper. Our prayers are for you & the family. We look forward to seeing Mike again when we are all called home to be with our LORD!!!

Quinton & Jo Williams
Harrison, AR
Liked
Sunday, April 7, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for the family..Quinton & Jo Williams "Duncan Industries"

Von Loretta Foresee & Family,
Harrison, AR
Liked
Sunday, April 7, 2013

Ella Fay, so sorry for your lost,but heaven gained a true walk with his LORD man,we love you , & you are in our prayers, I know you will miss him. I had open heart sugery in 2011 ,had a heart attach in 2012 , and another one in jan 2013 the third by pass gave me some trouble. and i have the RA some time it is hard for me to walk . but the LORD is good. LOVE YOU Loretta

Holly Chapman
Gentry,
Liked
Saturday, April 6, 2013

Brother Mike was the reason I came back to the church after years of not going. He was always able to get my attention when he started out, "Now friends..." It felt like God had given him a message just for you and you could always tell he truely cared about you and was really concerned about your relationship with our Lord. Then his beautiful family welcomes you with open arms and makes you feel what christian love is about. Their selfless devotion to the Lord is contagious and you can't help but get excited. You were all their with me through some of the roughest times in my life. You helped Jesus get my spiritual strength at an all time high. I love you all very much and I know that you will continue Gods work, and Bro. Mike will be with you in spirit, helping bring the lost to the Lord. I am so sad I can't be there with you at his service, but I will be there in prayer and spirit. I love you!!

Holly, Christopher, Johnathan, Abbigail Chapman

Sharon Morse
Alpena, AR
Liked
Friday, April 5, 2013

Ella, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.