John A. Brenner

John A. Brenner, 97, born February 28, 1927, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, June 10, 2024. He was preceded in death (2012) by his loving wife of 62 years, Trilby. He first spotted her in second grade when she moved from Mississippi. She never left his mind for over 90 years. In fact, he always claimed the two greatest women in the world were his wife Trilby and his mother Myrtle. No other woman stood a chance. The greatest town in America, and the world, was Parkin, Arkansas, where he grew up in its heyday in the 1930s and ‘40s. The University of Arkansas was the only university which really mattered. He was a devoted lifelong Methodist and served for many years as chairman of the Finance committee for Parkin FUMC. His love and loyalty to family, community, and God were the focal points of his life, which he always strove to pass to his three children and subsequent generations. He was a happy man who loved farming. He was one of the first people to grow rice in Arkansas in 1954. He once rebuilt a golf course using mostly farm equipment, and his only stipulation, instead of pay, was that no one tell him what to do. He helped build and establish a wonderful Little League program in his beloved Parkin. He was a former Lions Club president. He was president of L’Anguille Sporting Club for over 40 years, even at his death. He was involved and selfless in all his children’s activities, including horse shows, baseball, basketball, tennis, you name it. He was equally supportive of his grandchildren. John A. received his business degree from the University of Arkansas in 1949, where he was a proud member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living member of the Arkansas chapter. He loved duck hunting, quail hunting, golf, fishing, tennis, all Parkin sports, and Razorback anything. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Crisler of Yazoo City, Mississippi; Brenda Smith (Mark) of Wynne, and son John Brenner, Jr. (Dawn) of Marion; ten grandchildren and three much loved step-grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Trilby; parents Myrtle and Fred Brenner; sister Mary Harrison; brother Fred Brenner; and son-in-law Bebe Crisler. John A’s family would like to express sincere gratitude to his wonderful caregivers: Weedie Washington, Patsy Hogue, Veronica Lyons, Corinna Lately, and Earline Hawkins. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the charity of one’s choice. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Wynne Presbyterian Church, from 9:30 am until 10:30 am with funeral services following at 10:30. Burial will be in Cogbill Cemetery. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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John A. Brenner

February 28, 1927 - June 10, 2024