of Searcy, AR
January 30, 1939 - February 28, 2023
Bernard John "Sonny" Ekdahl, age 84, passed away Tuesday morning, February 28, 2023 at Unity Health in Searcy. Arkansas. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 30, 1939 to Arvid and Karin Ekdahl. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Phyllis Born and Shirley Jewell.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sue Ekdahl; daughter, Donna Vaughn of San Antonio, Texas and son, Mike Ekdahl (Mary) of Sherwood; Dr. Brent Blakely (Teresa) of Searcy and Beth Sloan of Somerset, Kentucky.
Grandchildren, Rachel and John Michael Ekdahl, Austen (Katie) Blakely, Autumn Blakely, Jake Sloan and Caleb Sloan and one great-granddaughter, Kennedy, who was the apple of his eye.
Sonny graduated from Mountain Home High School where he was a member of the Mountain Home Athletic Hall of Honors. Sonny attended The University of Arkansas. He moved to Searcy in 1963 and opened Citizens Abstract and Title for 43 years. He was on the State of Arkansas Abstractors Board appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe.
Sonny was a lifelong Presbyterian, serving as Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church, Searcy, Arkansas. He was a member of Searcy Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris Award.
Sonny was a talented athlete, competing in Tennis, Racketball and handball, but his passion was sailing and competing in Greers Ferry Lake Sailing club races and sailing his beloved SwedeSue BB10 Sailboat. Sonny taught a lot of people to sail and spent most of his free time on the lake.
Memorial Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm Friday, March 3, 2023, with reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall where the family will greet friends and share Sonny stories.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 400 West Arch Street, Searcy, Arkansas or Alzheimer's Arkansas, Attn: Rickey Williams, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhoms.com/searcy
Sue; sorry I didn’t know that Sonny had passed. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and you have my deepest condolences. He was always so much fun!
Jerry and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time
Donna - I can't imagine what an emotional roller coaster this has been for you. I am sending hugs your way. I pray you can find peace and closure. I'm keeping you, as well as Rachel, John Michael, Mary, and Mike, in prayer as you all process the loss of your father. Safe travels as your return back to us in San Antonio. Love you my fiercely brave friend - Patrice
Sue.
I have many fond memories of Sonny and you. You and your family are in my prayers and please accept my deepest sympathy.
Books could be written about Sonny, He was a truly a treasure. He was a wonderful part of our lives and will always be remembered most fondly. Lydia and I extend our heartiest condolences to Sue, Beth, and the rest of the family.
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. You are a truly kind soul who has brought so much light into my life and the lives of others. I pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love you!
ALWAYS LOVED TALKING WITH SONNY. HE COULD MAKE YOU LAUGH EVEN IF YOU DIDNT WANT TO. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY. COMFORT THEM IN THE DAYS TO COME. RIP MY FRIEND YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Sue, my sincere condolences & love to you & your family. You all will be in my prayers in the days & weeks to come.
Donna—wishing you, and those you hold dear, peace in this time of transition. You are loved
Donna, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You, Mike, Mary, Rachel, and John Michael are in my thoughts and prayers, along with the rest of the family. He must have been so proud of you guys. I hope the stories and the memories comfort you in the days to come. And we are here for you when you get back home. Love you.
My dearest Donna,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Losing a parent at any age is difficult regardless of your relationship. Sharing your stories during this time brings healing, so I’m always here for you. May my thoughts and prayers bring you and Mike strength and comfort.
Much love, Dolores
Donna,
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you through this loss. We pray that God will give you strength and grant you comfort in your time of bereavement. If there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask and we will be there for you.
We all send you our love,
Sandi Webb, Jeannie Hawley, Lucinda Blair, Brenda Allen, Chelsea Pittman, and Dea Windsor
Donna, sending love to you at this difficult time. Know that we are here for you.
My dearest Donna, I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’m sending strong virtual hugs & kisses. I hope you find closure🥰
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it must be heartbreaking. Please remember that you are in my prayers. May God surround you with His live and peace. Blessings, sweet friend!
Donna, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Losing a parent is tough. Take time to be with family. Know that your friends are here to support you during this sad time. Condolences to your family.
Donna - My dear friend, sending you love and prayers for the loss of your father. You are so kind, generous, and loving, so I am certain he had something to do with that. I share in your sorrow and pray that you find comfort in those shared memories. Hugs and love, Hugo
Beth,
So sorry for your loss. Sending Love and Prayers to the family.
I strongly suspect that Rodger welcomed Sonny and they are having a reminiscing good visit about all of their young days. Prayers for the family.
Donna, so sorry to here about your dad. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sandy
Donna, I just heard about the loss of your father. I know that you have so many stories to tell. Sending lots of love. Love and miss you so so much!!
Donna, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is never easy no matter what your age. I pray that you and Mike will find peace with your fathers life and his death. Know that your friends are here to support you and help you during this time.
Donna - My dear friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your father. While I didn’t know him I know you and the kind, loving and thoughtful person that you are and my gear breaks for you. May God grant you comfort and grace during this time of deepest sorrow. Love and hugs. Kim
Donna, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! 😘
Always enjoyed visiting with Sonny when he came in Leslie Jewelers. Sue and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Sue,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Although we have not met in person for many years Sonny and you have been present in our mind.
We often recall the good times we spent together when you visited Sweden.
Sonny was so positive and humorous and löved by all he met . We had many good laughs ,
Our love and thoughts will be with you.
So sorry for your loss, family members.
Have fond memories of Sonny, particularly on regular Buffalo River float trips, and at
Jaycee events.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him terribly. Treasure your memories and reflect on them daily. Anyone who ever met Sonny remembered him. He was always so pleasant and friendly. Prayers for you and your family.
Sue and family, we are so sorry yo hear of Sonny’s passing. Love and prayers to you all…ðŸ™ðŸ¼â¤ï¸
So sorry for your loss!
I enjoyed knowing Sonny for several years and enjoyed being with him as we enjoyed our time together in the Searcy Jaycee's long ago!
Prayers for your loss Sue and family!
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Love and prayers for each family member.
Praying for you and your family. Sonny will truly be missed!
Dear Friend Sue, my love, prayers and thoughts are with you, your lovely family and great number of friends. And for Sonny as he makes his transition. I can just see him already generating laughs and celebrating his restored wholeness. He will be missed and remembered by so many - especially by you!
Shirley
Sue, so sorry for your loss. You and Sunny made the perfect couple.
Prayers for you & the family.
Kay
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr Sonny ! Praying for you and your family ðŸ™
Sue, my heart and prayers are with you. So very sorry about your loss. We had some wonderful - fun- filled years! Great memories! He will be greeted by several "good ole buddies"!! Love to you and family.
Dear Sue I sure was sad to hear the passing of Sunny, he always brightened the room with his contagious smile and laughter. Will praying for you. Love youâ¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸŽ‚
Sue my prayers are with you and family I am sorry for your loss Sonny was always very special to me never met a stranger he will be missed but never forgotten ðŸ™â™¥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Michael, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I know you'll keep those memories alive. Talk about them often. Prayers for you and your family today and for weeks to come.
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
We were saddened to hear the news of Sonny’s passing. Jimmy and I both have fond memories of him. He was an excellent teacher of land descriptions and Jimmy enjoyed their discussions on fences and points of beginnings. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family and may God give you strength in the days to come. God be with you all.
So sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. I know all of you will miss him so much. He was such a wonderful, loving family man!
🙠Carlyn yancey
Sue and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sonny was larger than life and I thought his life would go on “forever†here on earth but now he lives on with our Heavenly Father. It has been a privilege to have known him first at Rotary Club and for the last 25 years at church. I’ll especially miss “jousting†with him at wine club where he never missed an opportunity to get me “off topicâ€. Blessings and Peace to you and yours and RIP Sonny!
I have so many good memories of Sonny; business ( he was a world class land title expert), and sailing (on Greers Ferry and in the ocean waters of Georgia). Then there was Rotary Cub and our longtime family fellowship. Lana and I enjoyed so many good times wit Sonny and Sue, all marked by good cheer and smiles. We send our love, prayers and sympathy to Sue and the family. Rest in peace old friend. May you have fair winds and following seas in Heaven.
Sue and family I am so sorry for your loss of Sonny, Hwas a very special friend as both of you are, Will always remember the good times we have had as long as Brenda and me have know you all. It is not easy to go on without your spouse bu I know the Lord will take care of us. May the Lord bless you during this time of your loss. I will have you in our prayers.
You all are certainly in our loving thoughts and prayers.
Sue and family I am so sorry for your loss of Sonny. Hwas a very special to me and you all have have been good friends of Brenda and me for a long time I will always remember the lake trips and skiing I will always remember your friend ship, May God bless you and your family. It is not easy to go on with out our spouses but the Lord will take care of us.
It was such a pleasure knowing Sonny. My prayers and condolences go out to this wonderful family. I spent many days with this family growing up from childhood to high school. You all treated me like family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. ðŸ™ðŸ½â¤ï¸
So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family and friends in the time of sorrow. I know he will be missed
Love and Prayers Sue to you and your familyâ¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ¼
I'm so sorry to hear about Sonny. I have funny memories of him. Condolences to the entire family â¤ï¸ðŸ’™
Sonny was a big guy who lived life big and loved his family bigger. Everyone who knew Sonny loved him. He was a great robust lovable kind of guy you always looked forward to seeing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family. Sonny will be gloriously welcomed in Heaven and we pray our Father will comfort the family as you all cope with the days without him by your side. May your faith and your many memories sustain you!
Sue. I'm so sorry for your loss, our love thoughts and prayers be with you. Mike AND Darlene Jones
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and family. We have been friends for many years and have shared many fun times together. I will always remember my Sonny. RIP my friend ðŸ™â¤ï¸