Frank Steven Hartness, affectionately known as Steve, 70, of Monticello, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, May 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born March 2, 1954, in Monticello to the late Frank Hartness, Jr. and Opal Juanita Stephenson Hartness.
He was retired from Clearwater Paper Company after more than 30 years of service. He was a paper maker and lab technician. Steve was a lifelong Baptist and regularly attended St. Mark Catholic Church with his wife, but called First Baptist Church of Monticello his home church towards the end of his days.
Steve was a storied turkey hunter, traveling wherever he could in search of the perfect bird, always looking for a new place to hunt. He also loved hunting deer; fishing; road trips wherever they took him; spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren; tinkering around the house and working in his garden. Steve was a fixture in his hometown of Monticello, known for his warm smile, interest in others, and his ability to never meet a stranger. Steve will be sorely missed by so many.
He is survived by his wife, Sara M. Simpson Hartness of Monticello; children, Kelly Jo Hartness Derryberry (Stormy) of Monticello, Kerry Stephen Hartness (Melissa) of Monticello, Maxwell Eadus Sawyer (Lauren Brewer) of Bella Vista, and Michael Lafayette Sawyer (Kari) of Star City; a god son, Benjamin Alan Alexander; grandchildren, Makenzie Lynn Derryberry of Russellville, Lauren Elizabeth Derryberry of Monticello, Annistyn Grace Hartness of Monticello and Wyatt Lafayette Sawyer of Star City; and a cousin (like a brother), Rama Miller and wife Charlotte of Maumelle; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Kelly Jones officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. There will also be a separate memorial mass celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church at a date to be announced. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church or https://familyhouse.org/
