Phyllis Ann Bookout

She was the daughter of Earl and Julia Nelson and had one sister, Brenda Kay Nelson Lincoln, deceased, and one brother Jimmy Clifton Nelson of Ola, Arkansas.

Phyllis married her high school sweetheart on August 6, 1960. After high school and college, Phyllis became a model and then a stewardess on the airline for which her husband flew as an Airline Captain. While her husband served as an instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force, she became an accomplished painter.

While Dr. Dan Bookout was in practice, they both became involved in the research of historical records and later in the actual searches for a WW II fighter pilot from Texarkana who was a member of the famed “Black Sheep Squadron” in the South Pacific. Phyllis was active in the search and discovery of the crashed plane and recovery of the pilot’s body which was returned to Texarkana for burial with full military honors.

Her efforts with several military groups such as the Vietnam Veterans, American Legion and, Veterans of Foreign Wars contributed to her being inducted into the Legion of Honor.

On August 6, 2024 she and her husband celebrated dinner for their 64th wedding anniversary. On Monday, August 19, 2024, Phyllis said good bye to her husband with a tender kiss and a squeeze of his hand. She then stepped into the eternity promised by the Lord and Savior of her faith and church. She was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ first at Rose Hill Church of Christ and lately a member at the Highland Church of Christ.

Phyllis flew for many years as co-pilot and navigator with her husband. At the tender age of 68 she received her own pilot’s license, and accumulated several awards in competitive contests. Now Phyllis will fly in the company of Guardian Angels.

For those of us who were her family and friends we will miss her and look forward to being re-united with her on the other side of the river.

Services will be 2:00 pm Friday, August 23, at East Memorial Chapel, Moores Lane. Chris Hooten, minister of Highland Church of Christ will officiate. Interment will be at the Chapelwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday August 22, at the funeral home.

Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.