Finding information during a time of loss feels like wading through thick fog. You're looking for a specific name, a service time, or maybe just a way to send flowers to a family in Des Arc, Arkansas. If you’ve been searching for garth funeral home obituaries, you’ve likely realized that small-town funeral homes handle things a bit differently than the giant corporate chains in the big cities.
There is a deep-rooted history here. Garth Funeral Home, Inc. has been a fixture at 221 Main Street for generations. Honestly, it’s one of those places that defines the community of Des Arc. But when it comes to finding recent records online, it can get a little confusing if you don't know where to look.
Why the digital search is kinda tricky
Most people expect a massive, searchable database right on a main homepage. With Garth, they often partner with larger platforms like Legacy.com to host their digital memorials. This is actually a good thing. It means the garth funeral home obituaries you find are often part of a much larger network, allowing friends from out of state to see them easily.
For instance, looking at recent records from late 2025 and early 2026, you'll see names like Gary Walicki, Donna Jo Madden, and Thomas Michael "Mike" Keith. These aren't just names on a screen. These were neighbors, public servants, and friends. Donna Jo Madden, for example, was a Des Arc High grad who spent her life in public service. Mike Keith was a familiar face who passed at Baptist Health in Stuttgart.
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When you search for these records, you're usually looking for three specific things:
- Visitation times: Usually held at the Main Street chapel.
- Service locations: Often at local churches like the First Baptist Church or Faith Missionary Baptist.
- Memorial requests: Families often prefer donations to local charities or "planting a tree" over just sending more flowers.
The real cost of saying goodbye
Let's talk money for a second, because nobody likes to, but everyone needs to. Funerals are expensive. Period.
Basic services at Garth start around $1,295. But that’s just the professional fee for the director and staff. By the time you add in embalming ($595), the hearse ($195), and a casket (averaging $1,500), the bill climbs. A traditional full-service burial can run upwards of $7,175.
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If that sounds steep, you’re not alone. Many families in Prairie County are opting for direct cremation, which sits closer to $1,250 to $1,350. It’s a pragmatic choice, and the staff at Garth doesn't pressure you. They’ve seen it all. They know that sometimes a simple graveside service is more meaningful than a big production in the chapel.
What about those "missing" obituaries?
Ever search for a name and come up empty? It happens. Sometimes a family chooses not to publish a public obituary for privacy reasons. Other times, there’s a delay between the passing and the digital upload.
If you can’t find a specific person under garth funeral home obituaries, your best bet is actually the local newspaper archives or the funeral home's direct line at 870-256-4676. They are small-town friendly. They’ll tell you if a service is private or if the details haven't been finalized yet.
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Navigating the Legacy archives
When you land on the Legacy page for Garth, don't just look at the first three names. Use the "Search" bar specifically for the Des Arc location.
- Filter by year: If you're looking for someone who passed a while ago, the archives go back years.
- Check the guestbook: This is the most "human" part of the internet. People leave stories about fishing trips, school days, and shared meals. It’s where the real history of Des Arc lives.
- Flower orders: If you order through the link on the obituary, it usually coordinates directly with local florists who know exactly when and where to deliver.
Common misconceptions about Garth
Some people think because it's a "traditional" home, they don't do modern services. That’s just wrong. They handle insurance paperwork, social security filings, and even veteran benefits coordination. If your loved one was a veteran, like many in the Arkansas Delta, they make sure that military honors are handled with the respect they deserve.
They also offer pre-planning. This isn't just about paying ahead of time—though you can do that through bank trusting or insurance to lock in today’s prices. It’s about making the decisions so your kids don't have to argue about which casket you would’ve liked while they’re grieving.
Actionable steps for your search
If you are currently looking for information or planning a service, here is what you need to do:
- Confirm the date: If you are traveling for a service, call 870-256-4676 to verify the time. Online dates can sometimes lag behind real-time changes due to weather or family emergencies.
- Gather the basics: If you’re the one writing the obituary, have the birth date, birthplace, parents' names, and social security number ready. You’ll need these for the death certificate anyway.
- Check the "Plant a Tree" option: If the family hasn't specified a charity, this is a permanent way to honor someone that actually helps the local environment.
- Look for the high school connection: Many obituaries in this area mention graduation years from Des Arc or Lonoke. It’s a great way to find old classmates' records.
Managing the end of a life is never easy, but having the right information makes the "business" side of grief a little less heavy. Whether you're looking for a recent service or researching family history in Prairie County, the records at Garth represent the heartbeat of a community that doesn't forget its own.