Leland Edward Stoops, 86, son of William Elijah Stoops and Sarah Pendland Stoops, was born May 23, 1921, at Hartshorn. He died Jan. 27, 2008, at Advanced Health Care at Ellington.
He married Dorothy Darline Plummer Oct. 30, 1948, at Salem, Ark. They were married more than 59 years and had four children.
Mr. Stoops became a Christian in 1968 and soon after was called into the ministry. He pastored many churches and loved to fish, hunt and spend time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Dorothy George, Goldie Michel and Letha Norris; one brother, Raymond Stoops; and one grandson.
Surviving are his wife; sons, Paul Jr. of Cabool, Steve of Ellington and Ricky of West Plains; daughter, Rhonda Tharp of West Plains; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were Jan. 30 at the Bradford Funeral Home Chapel at Summersville with the Rev. Gary Steelman officiating. Burial was in the Antioch Cemetery.
