1943-2025
Charles Edwin (Eddie) Lumsden was called to his eternal home on March 21, 2025. He was born October 8, 1943, the beloved son of O.C. “Buck” Lumsden, Jr. and Frances Stephenson Lumsden.
He was a lifelong resident of a small farming community near DeWitt and was deeply rooted in faith, family, and service. Born and raised in DeWitt, Eddie graduated from DeWitt High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in 1965. He dedicated his life to agriculture, education, and public service, always striving to uplift the people and places he loved.
Eddie’s passion for education was evident through his many years of service on the DeWitt School Board, where he served for 17 years and spent 12 of those as president. He also held leadership roles with the Arkansas School Boards Association and the Phillips Community College’s foundation board in DeWitt, where he served as chairman for 10 years.
He was appointed to DeWitt Bank and Trust Company Board of Directors January 9, 1990, by Elmer Ferguson, and served 29 years on various board committees, as well as both chairman and vice chairman of the board. He continued an additional three years on the Stone Bank Board of Directors, including six years on the trust committee. Eddie also served as chairman of the Farelly Lake Levee District of Arkansas and Jefferson counties, working in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood damage along the Arkansas River.
Beyond his service, Eddie was a man of deep faith and natural talent. A gifted musician, he could play practically anything he heard by ear. Though he was taught piano as a child, he quickly made the music his own, often playing just for the joy it brought him. He would state when asked to play for church, that he would, but he was “playing to an audience of one.”
He and his devoted wife, Pat, raised three daughters on their family farm, which was established by his grandfather, and commemorated its centennial in 2017. Eddie’s love for the land and the beauty of God’s creation shaped his life and the legacy he leaves behind.
Eddie was the proud owner of Lumsden Farms, Inc., The Schoolhouse Lodge, and DOA Guide Service. He and Pat were faithful members of DeWitt Methodist Church. Above all, he loved his family deeply. He was a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and a quiet strength to those who knew him best. His devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren was the foundation of his life, and this legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat Lumsden; their daughters, Stephanie Bradley (Steve) of Bayou Meto, Laura Lumsden (Kristine) of Little Rock, Jennifer Gill (Rick) of Stuttgart; their granddaughters, Amanda Helms (Michael) of Springdale, Morgan Gill of Stuttgart, Halle Cirbus (Tom) of Little Rock, Kristin Bradley of Tontitown, Maggie Gill of Orlando; their great grandsons, Jake (11), Barrett (7) and Hunter (5) Helms, William Cirbus (1); treasured employee and lifelong friend, Lawrence Williams.
The visitation will be held at DeWitt Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to DeWitt Methodist Church, 608 S. Grandview Drive, DeWitt, AR 72042 or The Caring & Sharing Food Pantry, P.O. Box 8, DeWitt, AR 72042.
