of Little Rock, AR
April 28, 1935 - February 10, 2025
Dr. Cagle Harrendorf, 89, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 28, 1935 in Van Buren, Arkansas to John and Gladys Harrendorf, Cagle's life was a testament to perseverance, service and an enduring passion for healing and helping others.
Cagle's journey to ''the other side of the mountain'' began at the age of 13, working behind the counter of a local drugstore, where he developed a fascination with medicine and caring for others. This early experience planted the seed for what would become a remarkable career. He earned a degree in pharmacy from the University of Arkansas, followed by a master's degree in biology. He shared his knowledge as a professor at Little Rock University (UALR) teaching nursing students before pursuing his greatest dream-attending medical school at UAMS, where he graduated in 1966.
Following his graduation, Dr. Harrendorf served his country in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Bossier City, Louisiana. His experiences in military service deepened his commitment to compassionate, community-focused care, which he continued as a physician in the rural town of Stamps, Arkansas. There, he provided essential medical services to the local community, touching many lives.
Always driven to expand his expertise, Dr. Harrendorf completed a residency in psychiatry and established a solo clinic specializing in mental health-a pioneering step in a field that was still developing. He later founded the first chronic pain program in Arkansas, merging innovation and empathy to address complex patient needs, focusing on improving patient outcomes by closely monitoring drug interactions and promoting mental wellness with minimal reliance on pharmaceuticals. Although he retired from private practice in 1998, his desire to serve never waned. Cagle continued sharing his unique perspectives with others in the local volunteer community, as well as at the state and local level.
A man of many nicknames, his favorite people called him simply ''Dad'' or ''Gran''. His beloved family was the joy of his life and his constant motivation. Cagle had a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. He found peace in the quiet beauty of snowy days, sitting by a warm fire with a glass of wine in hand, jotting down ideas or poems, lost in thought or conversation. Summers were spent by the sea on cherished beach vacations with his family, where laughter, stories, memories and traditions filled the days. These moments, as much as his professional accomplishments, defined a life well-lived and deeply loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, ''Jack'' and Gladys Harrendorf; his brother, Keith Harrendorf; his sister, Joyce Harris and his wife, Jan ''Chickie'' Harrendorf. Cagle leaves behind a legacy of love and service in his daughters, Kristi Barton and husband, Dr. Gary Barton and Leigh Ann Bennett and husband, Brian Bennett; his beloved grandchildren, Caroline Chang and husband, Dr. Jon Chang, Claire Barton, Dr. Reid Barton, Jack Bennett and Sam Bennett and his great-granddaughters, Charlie, Abby and Margaret Chang. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Judy Parks, Wayne Harris, John Harris and Joe Harris.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Baptist Hospice, especially Dee Dee, Susan and Katie, along with Dr. Patrick Selakovich, Dr. Megan Chang and Dr. Jon Chang. A special thanks goes to his devoted caregivers-Dontesa Edmond, Pam Ford, Dede Parker, Laura Landrum, along with Eldonia Lovelace, for their unwavering kindness and care.
A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor Dr. Harrendorf's remarkable journey at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Baptist Hospice in his memory.
Dr. Cagle Harrendorf's life was one of purpose, service and quiet but profound impact. His work touched countless lives and his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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14 Condolence(s)
Allan Snook
Monday, March 3, 2025
Cagle was a regular at Little Rock Athletic Club for many years and his absence was deeply felt. He was a decent, thoughtful man with a dry sense of humor. He will be missed by many.
PAMELA FORD
Thursday, February 20, 2025
This is for Dr.Cagle Harrendorf and family I just want to thank you for the opportunity and such a great honor to care for Mr.Cagle.He was a Humble Person and had a sweet soul .Even when he wasn't feeling well .He would always make you laugh about something he would say.Mr Cagle would greet you with a good morning and how is your morning going He Loved People .Dr Cagle Loved plants and flowers .in is book The Other Side Of The Mountain it says.In the presence of beauty freedom evolves and from freedom comes strength.He loved the rain.he wanted it to rain every day.Dr.Cagle love to here the rain falling on the roof.Dr.Cagle loved his magnolia trees.When the wind would blow he would say the tree nails were talking to each other he was they just listen and we're just now. Dr Cagle I will miss you so so much and thank you for my girl talks.
Dr.Cagle Harrendorf . I learned so much from you during the time that I took care of you and that I will miss every day and I just want you to know that you are my hero I love you Pam forward
John Baldridge MD
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Cagle and I were fast friends since first sharing patient care in medical school. Throughout life adventures we remained in each other’s confidence. I am most satisfied knowing he evolved to a peaceful stage wherein he experienced only love and good will of others. The world will truly miss his company and his love of life’s best memories.
Clay Gilliland
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Wonderful tribute for a dear friend. Always kind and caring. And thinking! I will miss our conversations over coffee.
Sandy Bynum
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
I’m am truly sorry to hear of the loss of such an amazing man. May you all know that your pain is felt by so many. I hope you all feel the loving arms of God around you.
Holly-Beth Willis
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
What a wonderful man and such an amazing life he led! Sending your family much love and prayers
Dr. Jim Morse
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Cagle and I had an excellent friendship as we discovered we both were graduated from pharmacy before obtaining
MD’s. As Internal Medicine doctor I routinely referred cases to Cagle because he was competent and because I trusted him. I share up your loss of this fine man
Becky s May
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Bill and I have known Cagle since way before he became Dr. Harrendorf! He
Taught a class at Lifequest the last time I saw him
May he rest in peace
Shelli Stine
Monday, February 17, 2025
Your sweet Dad always had the biggest smile. Praying for your family.
Shelli
Dede Parker
Monday, February 17, 2025
I am so thankful for the opportunity to care for such a loving, funny, intelligent man . Mr Cagle you will be missed.
Laura Landrum
Monday, February 17, 2025
So honor to have met a man of his caliber, he was humble. He was loving and he was kind. I am forever grateful that God allowed our path to cross, He has one I shall never ever forget! P wow Cagle you made it to the other side of the mountain for real rest, my friend rest
You r time here on earth was Well served !
it’s not what you are , Irs who you are!
Sarajane Y McCormick
Monday, February 17, 2025
Cagle was such a wonderful man who had a profound and positive impact on the lives of so many. It was my pleasure to call him friend. I miss him.
Dontesa Edmond
Monday, February 17, 2025
I am grateful for having the opportunity to love and care for Mr. Cagle.
Lisa Coffman
Monday, February 17, 2025
What a privilege it has been these 30 years to know Gran. He was a remarkable man. Loved by many. He will be greatly missed