Carl Howard Portwood

Carl Howard Portwood was born in Alton, Illinois, on November 15, 1940, son of Leroy and Dorothy (Hoffman) Portwood. He departed this life on February 22, 2014, at his home in Ash Flat, Arkansas, at the age of 73 years, 3 months and 7 days. Carl was schooled in Alton, Illinois, before joining the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1958 to 1978. He moved to Alaska in 1978 and drove a semi-truck for the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline for 10 years followed by 16 years as an armed security guard, retiring in 2005. Carl moved to the Ash Flat-Glencoe area and was a volunteer member of the Morriston Fire Department. He often volunteered at the Fulton County Fair and at the election polls. Carl was a Master Gardener for a number of years. He is survived by beloved wife, best friend and biggest fan, Kathy Portwood; three daughters, Brenda White of Fort Sumner, New Mexico, Brenda Allison of Knightdale, North Carolina, and Melody Heath of Fairbanks, Alaska; two sisters, Jolynn Lair of St. Louis, Missouri, and Gay Kinkade of Denver, Colorado; thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Carl was preceded in death by his son Timothy and his parents. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Memorial in Ash Flat, Arkansas. Per his request there will be no services. The arrangements under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.