John Dean DeShields

John Dean DeShields, 93, of Bentonville, Ark., was reunited with his wife in heaven on Feb. 28, 2021. He was born May 30, 1927, in Lead Hill, Ark., to Dennie and Ruby Lee (Austin) DeShields. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 72 years, Helen Raye (Clarkson) DeShields; four brothers, Homer DeShields, D.W. DeShields, Virgil DeShields and Paul DeShields; and three sisters, Cuma Wilkerson, Opal Gann and Lucene Wilkinson. He leaves behind two children, Gary DeShields and wife Joyce of Bentonville, and Lori DeShields Hale and husband Tim of Bentonville; three grandchildren, Josh DeShields and wife Sarah of Bella Vista, Ark., Jenny DeShields of Bella Vista, and Erin Hale Holder and husband Josh of Bentonville, Ark.; five great-grandchildren, Jordan DeShields of Springdale, Ark., John DeShields of Fayetteville, Ark., Destinee DeShields of Bella Vista, and Emilia and Olivia Holder of Bentonville; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. John was a Korean War veteran. He was superintendent of the City of Bentonville Street Department and retired after 26 years of service. Upon his retirement, the city honored him with a street in his name, John DeShields Boulevard, located by Bentonville’s Memorial Park. Previously, he was an auto body technician. He devoted his life to his wife, Helen, whom he cared for in the home during her battle with dementia, and his children. He was lovingly known as Pappa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he adored. His life’s work included building a small family farm where he spent his time caring for his animals and land. Many animals found their way to Pappa’s farm, where they received much care and love. Pappa’s critters included peacocks, goats, a feisty turkey, cows, a rambunctious donkey, his beloved horses, chickens, sheep, rabbits, cats and the family dogs. He was a lifelong fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and NASCAR, and tried his best to never miss a game or race. Pappa will be greatly missed, but he will live on in his family’s memories and in the beauty of the land he loved so much. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at Hope Church in Bentonville. Interment and full military honors to follow at Bentonville cemetery.