Thomas “Tom” Lavern Studebaker

Mr. Thomas “Tom” Lavern Studebaker, 66, of Blytheville passed away at home on Monday afternoon. He was born in Iowa City, Iowa on June 19, 1951 to David Lavern Studebaker and Helen Florence Bushnell Studebaker. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, Gideon’s International and The American Legion.

Mr. Studebaker served in the United States Air Force for 20 years retiring as a Technical Sergeant (E6). He served overseas in Thailand and Japan, but also stateside in North Dakota, Louisiana, and Blytheville Arkansas.

He was a handyman who enjoyed fixing things around the house or working on the car. He liked to read, be on the computer, and watch TV. He was very friendly and calm. He had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed funny sarcasm. He was very intelligent and kept up with politics.

Mr. Studebaker had a pet dog, Bear, that died about a month ago. Bear was a long-time family member and was the same age as one of the grown granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Tang Oungard Studebaker, of Blytheville;

One son, David Lavern Studebaker, of Osceola;

One daughter, Helen Sorn Studebaker, of Blytheville;

Two granddaughters, Mersades Studebaker Mejia (and husband Victor) of Virginia and Trisha Studebaker (and Dominic Kimery) of Springfield Mo.;

And best friend, Jim Dixon, of Blytheville.

Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 24 at Bethany Baptist Church with Bro. Gary Hyde officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until service begins. Condolences may be offered at carneyfuneralhome.com.