Hoy Gladden

Hoy Edward Gladden was born November 8, 1928 to Ed Colby and Mamie Mae (Wood) Gladden in Van Buren Arkansas and departed this life on September 2, 2024 at the age of 95 years, 9 months, and 25 days.

Hoy suffered from birth with an ear defect but was able to graduate Barber school in Tulsa, Spring of 1958 after 6 months and 1000 hrs. Hoy barbered in several different towns including Ft. Chafee.

Hoy worked at Stilwell Foods prior to retirement. Hoy enjoyed doing yard work and helping people. Hoy ran errands for his neighbors when he lived in Hickory Village.

Hoy gave up the bachelor life and moved into the nursing home in 2013. He befriended new residents along with people he already knew, to help them learn the ropes of nursing home life.

At the nursing home Hoy enjoyed participating in activities like bingo and dominoes. Hoy never wanted to be a burden to anyone so he tried to do everything he could before asking for help.

Hoy had a steel trap memory. Hoy was versed with country music and the artists who made the songs popular from the 1920's thru 1950's. Hoy had many music cassette's he would listen to on those lonely nights without Onva. Saturday night's he could always be found listening to the Grand Ole Opry. As a young man it was only broadcast on the radio then eventually on TV. Hoy was partial to the Porter Wagner TV show and all the cast.

Hoy was a social butterfly. He knew so many people and loved to talk with anyone that would listen.

Hoy married Onva Georgia (Ramsey) Converse on March 9, 1968.

Hoy was preceded in death by: Father: Ed, Mother: Mamie, Wife: Onva Georgia, Step Mother: Martha Lee (Shipley) Gladden. Brothers: Colby Lee Gladden, George Ralph Gladden, William E.C. "Bill" Gladden, Sisters: Lucy Wilhite, Harriet Bays, Step Daughter: Norma Jean Skitts; Step Granddaughter: Brenda Braden.

Hoy is survived by: Sister: Mary Bell Collins, Brother: Jim "Rab" Gladden and wife Jane; Sister in law: Haldane "Tommi" Gladden; Step Sons: Robert and Steve Converse; and many Nieces and Nephews.