Reginald Mikesell

Reginald Eric Mikesell, 77, Sherwood, was called home, while surrounded by his family on October 14th, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held in his memory, Saturday, October 21 at 2pm at Chalice Hall located at 2803 East Kiehl Ave, Sherwood, 72120. Internment will be held Monday, October 23 at 11am at Arkansas Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas. The son of Eric and Freeda (Buzick) Mikesell, Reg was born on December 3, 1939 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He graduated in 1958 from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs and began work as an electrician's apprentice at the Council Bluffs shops for Union Pacific Railroad. He was united in holy matrimony to Linda Ann Kemp on August 25, 1961 and to this union two daughters were born, Alicia and Jennifer. Reg was drafted in 1963 and he served his country in the US Army as a Specialist 4th Class in the 1st Cavalry. He served in Korea near the DMZ and returned home to Linda in 1965. Reg resumed and completed his apprenticeship at UP. He worked in the shops in Omaha, Nebraska until January of 1989, when he was transferred to the Jenks Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas where he worked until his retirement January 2nd, 2000.
He was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ of Glenwood, Iowa for many years, transferring his membership to First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ of Sherwood after moving to Arkansas. In both churches Reg was very active. Throughout his life he sang in the choir and served on many committees, including serving as Property Chair and Chairman of the Board; he taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; he built numerous parade floats; he volunteered weekly at Food Pantry, traveled on mission trips and counseled at church camp for over 20 years. Reg also touched numerous lives as a sponsor for many, many youth groups. Beyond his administrative service, Reg took on the duties of deacon and later, elder. Throughout the years, Reg ministered and touched the lives of a great many people. He made himself available to serve the needs of others from spiritual support to helping repair houses, cars and more. He made himself an example for others to follow, but believed his work was simply what he was called to do and would not have considered himself special or overly generous, although he proved himself to be both things over and over again.
If there was anything Reg took more seriously than his commitment to his faith, it was his love for his family. He truly was a provider and care taker for Linda, Alicia and Jennifer. He frequently worked long hours at the railroad and his service at church has already been noted. Yet, he still found time to share music, which was also a large part of his life, often playing at church, community events, The Cornhusker Country Music Club, at schools, nursing homes and gatherings of his friends. He involved the whole family in his love of music and both daughters started playing at a young age on stage with Reg and his father Eric. In addition to music, Reg also spent time helping with 4-H projects, raising livestock, fishing, hunting, coaching baseball and was a HAM radio operator. He loved attending high school football games, watching college football and he was an avid NASCAR fan. He enjoyed working on cars and had a few favorites including an antique 1964 Chevy truck and his prized two-toned '81 corvette.
Preceding Reg in death were his parents and his two older brothers Jim Mikesell and Donnie Mikesell. Survivors include his wife, Linda Mikesell of Sherwood; children, Alicia (Craig) Gammon of Vilonia, Arkansas and Jennifer Mikesell of North Little Rock, Arkansas; his sister Mary (Mikesell) Sutton of Kiowa, Colorado; 3 grandchildren, Jacob Eric Gammon, Brekke Elizabeth Gammon and Frances Catherine Gammon all of Vilonia, Arkansas; as well as extended family and many friends.
Arrangements by Smith - North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com .