John Edward Hain Jr.

John E. Hain, Jr., 101, lovingly went to the Lord on August 3, 2026. He was born in Little Rock on March 20, 1925 to John and Agnes Hain. John was the eldest of four children with Pat Savary of Midland, Texas surviving. Agnes Hudgens and James Hain preceded him in death.

John graduated from Catholic High School for Boys in 1941 at age 16 and joined the United States Army at age 18, serving in England, Germany, Belgium, France, and Holland in WWII. He married Beverly Anne McGuire in 1947; she preceded him in death in 1996.

He joined Krebs Brothers Supply (now Krebs Brothers Restaurant Supply) in 1947 as a salesman traveling Arkansas and making friends with customers at hotels, restaurants, and schools. He knew the inner workings of equipment that he sold ranging from an industrial mixer to a walk-in freezer. He retired 50 years later as President of Krebs.

John was a devoted Catholic whose faith in the Church and love of God never wavered. He and Beverly were longtime parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, and John was a regular volunteer there especially as an usher. In addition, he was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

John was an avid fisherman particularly for crappie and bass. Trips to Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Canada, and Oregon were highlights of his fishing enjoyment. He was also an avid hunter known to bring home rabbit, squirrel, and even frogs, but quail was the favorite…it was a challenge. Of course, well trained and beloved bird dogs were part of the joy that hunting brought. After retirement he and his brother, Jim, established a fishing camp named “The Swamp.” It was here that he enjoyed many days of fishing, entertaining, and visiting with old and new friends.

John and his friend, Mike Prieur, formed the Rooster Club with Robert Zeiler joining later. The club’s purpose was to celebrate friendship with a muffin and coffee once a week and “solve the problems of the world.” Weekly meetings continued after John’s move to assisted living when a new friend, Jack Hoskyn, was admitted to the club. Meetings continued even if one member was absent.

How true it is that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). When John retired, his daughters printed business cards stating “Purveyor of Wisdom and Common Sense” for his pocket. Among some of the wisdom and common sense that his daughters had heard through the years were:

• Persistence pays off

• You can do whatever you set your mind to

• The secret to health and longevity is spending more time outside than inside

• If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone

• If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well

John was a good and faithful friend. He appreciated efficiency and expressed his appreciation and friendship with thoughtfulness and generosity. Visitors and family were offered something at their leaving; a loaf of baked bread, a flower from his yard, a sweet potato from Wynne where the “best were grown.” The ladies at his bank received daffodils in the spring from his yard and poinsettias at Christmas.

Known as “Big John,” whose handshake could be a bit too strong, he gave nicknames. (One of his neighbors was Porkchop, another Deadeye). He often referred to himself as a “thorn among the roses” because of all the women in his family. His first grandchild turned the tables on him and called him “Papo Monk,” a name by which all of his grand and great-grandchildren know him.

John is survived by five daughters: Terry Crow (Kenneth) of Little Rock, Taffy Council (Tony, deceased) of Benton, Maria Hooper (Bob) of Little Rock, Beverly Davies (Shell) of Little Rock, and Diana Ramsey (Mike) of Vilonia; 17 grandchildren and their 10 spouses; and 22 great-grandchildren.

To say that the glue of the Hain Family will be missed is a mammoth understatement. To have had a father who lived to 101 years, suffered with aches and pains of aging but had a sharp mind, positive outlook, and zest for life is a blessing that cannot be measured. Enjoy your fish fry in heaven, Daddy. We accept the invitation to join you one day.

The family is grateful to the staff at Woodland Heights Assisted Living, the nurses and caregivers there and PT Jess who has become a friend. Also, thanks to the House of 3 caregivers who cared for him the last month of his life. And great thanks to Life Touch Hospice: Dr. Simmons, Chaplain Laurie, Social Worker Ryan, and especially Nurse Kristy and Ms. Rose who gave him such gentle care.

Friends of John and his family have offered prayers and concern for him. These prayers have been and are treasured by his family.

Visitation and Rosary will be Friday, August 14, 2026, at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th Street, Little Rock. Visitation is from 6 to 7 p.m., with the Rosary starting at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 1321 South Van Buren Street, Little Rock. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Catholic High School for Boys or Mount St. Mary Academy, both in Little Rock, AR.