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Jake B. Commer, Sr., 88, of Pine Bluff, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Davis Life Care.
Mr. Commer was born May 8, 1928, in Ferda, Arkansas, to the late William J. and Isla Baggarly Commer. He was reared and received his education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1945. He was a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy having served in Palmyra Island and Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.
He married the former Ann LaVerne Evans on June 19, 1948, at Hawley Memorial United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. She preceded him in death on January 25th of this year.
Mr. Jake worked as a United States Postal Carrier for more than thirty years. He also worked for about 30 years in the grocery business, most recently with Safeway located at 6th and Ash.
Upon retirement, Jake, other volunteers and some former railroad employees were instrumental in transporting Steam Locomotive 819 from Oakland Park to the original Cotton Belt Shops and refurbishing it to its functioning capacity. The group formally organized The Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society and was instrumental in the formation of the Arkansas Railroad Museum.
He was a lifetime member of Hawley Memorial United Methodist Church, where he served in various capacities and held various offices.
Survivors include his children, Jake B. (Rachel) Commer, Jr. of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Melissa (Dr. David) Bell of Tupelo, Mississippi, Laurie Davenport of Ft. Smith, Arkansas and John " Andy" (Amy) Commer of Mooresville, North Carolina; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother, Pete Commer; sister-in-law, June Commer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Commer was preceded in death by brothers, Rev. William (Bill) Commer, I.M. (PeeWee) Commer, Thomas H. (Tommy) Commer; and sister, JoEllen Cauley Thomas.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at Robinson's.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 1:00 PM, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son. Burial will be private.
The family would like to thank the staff of Davis Life Care Center and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care of their parents, LaVerne and Jake.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be sent to Arkansas Railroad Museum, AR Hospice, First United Methodist Men's Prayer Breakfast or Hawley Memorial United Methodist Church. |
