Charles W. Krablin

Charles W. "Dick" Krablin, age 83, died Saturday, October 22nd at Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Dick was born January 30, 1933 on the family farm near DeWitt, Arkansas. He attended Columbia Military Academy in Tennessee, and later served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he married and moved to Mississippi to manage a Goodyear Store. Later, he was transferred to Forrest City, where he managed the Goodyear store there. He started a successful farming operation with his longtime friend, the late Sonny Hamilton, and owned and operated his own tire store during that time. He was elected as county clerk of St. Francis County, where he served the county for 14 years. Dick's array of friends spreads far and wide. His affable, fun-loving personality, quick wit and sharp come-back quips were a trademark. One simply could not be around Dick Krablin for very long and not have fun. Everyone who knew Dick knew of his love of the outdoors. His hunting and fishing skills were legendary. During the 1960's, he was a commercial duck hunting guide at the most prolific duck club in the county. He was once called to testify as an expert witness in a lawsuit involving duck hunting. After that, he would gleefully use that credential if anyone ever criticized his duck calling abilities. His fishing friends hardly ever out-fished him, because—as he would say—he was operating the boat from the front, making everyone else fish "used water." Dick never lacked for a quick quip or a lively comeback, and he was often prompted by friends to tell his hilarious stories. Any hunt or fishing trip with Dick was as much fun for the banter that he provided as for the fish and game he invariably hauled into the boat or blind. A crack shot for sure, Dick loved to needle other shooters by laying claim to every bird that fell, regardless of whether he had actually shot it or not. He coveted his role as an unabashed "claimer." Dick served his God and his community as a as a ruling elder at the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason (a fifty year member), and was honored by that body as a Knight Commander in the Court of Honor. If you needed Dick, he would be there regardless of the hour, the difficulty of the task, or how bad the weather conditions were. He was a true friend to anyone in need, as so many would affirm. This energetic, delightful, and fiercely loyal man, whose time on earth came much too soon following an elective day surgery-gone-bad, is survived by his wife, Jane Krablin, his daughter, Libby Krablin of Benton, Ark., brother, Randy Krablin (and wife Denise) of England, Ark., special nephews, James R. "Bub" Krablin (and wife Linda) of Wichita, Kan. and John Krablin (and wife Angela) of California, step-son, Hunter Johnson (and wife Dana) and their sons, Jesse Johnson and Devon Van Winkle, all of Des Arc, step-daughter, Dr. Wendy Johnson Edwards (and husband Dr. Christian Edwards) and their son, Gabriel of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Preceding Mr. Krablin in death were his parents, John R. and Hallie O. Krablin, and brothers, John B. Krablin, Paul Krablin, and sister, June Krablin. Visitation for Mr. Krablin will be at the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 29th at 10 a.m., with memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home of Forrest City, Arkansas.