Urah Utah Vardell, 77, of Texarkana, Ark., died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Texarkana, Texas.
He was born Feb. 20, 1941, in Puxico, Mo. He received his Bachelor's degree from Murray State University, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad before beginning a career with John Deere Company. He went on to own Green Line Equipment Company in Texarkana with his partner Ed Wright, retiring in 2011 after 40 years in business. Utah lived a full life and never met a stranger. He was passionate about his cutting horses. He will be remembered by many for his words of wisdom and love for people. He was the voice of the Arkansas High School Razorback football team for several years in the 1970s. Among many accomplishments, he served 35 years on the Board of Directors and Rodeo Committee for the Four States Fair Association, was a member of the National Cutting Horse Association, a member of the Shriners, a licensed auctioneer colonel and a member of First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, Ark. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Vardell; a son, Stan Vardell and wife, Lori; one daughter, Vickie Steward and husband, Brian; stepson, Ryan McBride, one brother, Benny Vardell, two sisters, Linda Faries and Kim Lee and husband, Bob; seven grandchildren, Jordan Vardell and wife, Emily; Branum Vardell and wife, Susan; Cade Vardell, Adison Vardell, Zach McBride, Evan Steward, and Joshua Steward; three great-grandchildren, Cameron Vardell, Reese Vardell, and Izzy Mae Vardell and a number of other relatives. Utah left behind many close friends: among those are Brett and Lisa Davis, Bradey and wife, Ashley Davis and Laney Davis.
Celebration of life was held Sept. 28, 2018, at the Four States Fair and Rodeo Arena with the Rev. Todd Hervey officiating. Burial followed in Rock Springs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners' Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63310.
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