Brenden Steele Poe

Brenden was full of life, energetic, always wearing a beaming smile, singing whatever song caught his fancy, his eyes so bright they seemed to carry a light of their own. He liked to use a lot of his energy playing any sport that involved a ball: soccer, basketball, baseball. If the sport had anything to do with a ball, he was ready to play. Then, if he had energy left, he liked to spend it imagining that he was Ironman, fully suited, saving the world, or that he was in the middle of a Toy Story adventure with Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Over the past 4 years, Brenden was a part of the ABC Happy Kids of Rogers, where he learned songs and his alphabet, befriended many other children, and grew to love his teachers, Ms Andi, Ms Jackie and Ms Amanda, as he was preparing for Kindergarten in the fall of 2011. Often, when Brenden entered the classroom, he was greeted by the welcoming cheers of his friends, proving that he was not only very loving, but also much loved.

Already very intelligent, Brenden learned early what "stranger-danger" meant and understood that he needed to remain safely near his parents. He also had a knack for directions, and would sometimes say, "Why are we going this way? My mommy always goes that way."

Brenden loved his family. When at Papa's house, he often ventured out to the garage where he played the trumpet with his Papa, a time they both enjoyed. He also loved his Bubbas and his Sissy, aspiring to be like them, always engaging their interests. Brenden was an avid fan of giving and getting hugs. Daily, he and his mom shared an "airplane" hug, a special hug reserved only for them. In fact, Brenden loved hugs so much that no visit was complete without one. Brenden's joy was unshaken, and he was gifted in bringing that same joy to his family and his friends every day of his life.

He is survived by: Mother, Jerilyn Poe, of the home; Dad, Philip Poe, of Rogers; Sister, Shalese Cheshire and husband, Coty, and nephew, Landon, of Pea Ridge; Brothers, Shane and Shay Poe of Rogers; Grandparents, Dave and Gloria Broadbooks, of Rogers; Grandparents, Zannie and Florence Poe, of Garfield; Great-grandparents, Bus and Elsie Broadbooks, of Rogers; Aunts and Uncles include Travis and Lori Broadbooks and children, of Rogers; Perry and Linda Poe, of Georgia; Sheila and Gene Chandler, of Centerton; Daniel Poe, of Garfield; Wendy Chaple, of Rogers; and many other cousins and lots of other family.

Visitation is Thursday, February 17th, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. A celebration of Brenden's life will be held Friday, February 18th , 2011, 10 a.m., at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers. Immediately following, a Police and Firetruck procession will escort the funeral procession to the Bayless Cemetery in Garfield where a burial service is to be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Brenden Poe funeral fund, which has been established at Arvest Bank.