A drop-in visitation will be available on Thursday, September 23rd at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home for those desiring to say their goodbyes. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 on Friday, September 24th, 2021, in Ulm, Arkansas at the Ulm Cemetery.
Gary Shrum was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Oscar Emory Shrum and Annie Lee Poole Shrum on June 13, 1949. He married Janice Oltmann Shrum on December 22nd, 1968. He attended Henderson State University and was a retired farmer. He served on the Drew Memorial Hospital Board and was recognized for his 25 years of service on the Drew County Conservation District Board. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Emory Shrum and Annie Lee Poole Shrum and one sister, Linda Chapman of Dewitt.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Shrum of Monticello; one son, Gabe Shrum & wife Shauna of Rogers; one daughter, Heather Carter & husband Nick of Monticello; three grandchildren, Dylan Carter, Reagan Shrum and Gillian Shrum; and a sister, Marianna Johnson of Conway.
Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He enjoyed crappie fishing and spending time with his family. He was rarely stylish but often smilish. He made many more friends than mistakes. He was often about town, though normally not at 4:30 when Jeopardy airs (and he knew most of the answers.) He told many jokes (a few inappropriate) and loved to laugh and he loved people. He relished mornings drinking coffee with friends and discussing anything worth discussing. He spent much of his time reading and the Monticello Library was a valued partner. He was often generous to those in need with his resources and time. That was perhaps his truest gift and in it he received as much as he gave. He loved sharing fresh vegetables with everyone. Gary lived to serve others and that was evident to anyone who had the privilege to know him. The greatest inheritance he leaves behind are uncountable memories in those who cherished him most.
Memorials and donations in lieu of flowers may be given to: Ulm Cemetery Fund, c/o Zion Lutheran Church, PO Box 158, Ulm, AR 72170. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(25)
Bill Droessler
Bancroft, IA Friday, October 22, 2021 Janice: I was truly shocked to read that Gary had died. I really regarded him as a true friend while I was in Monticello. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. As ever, Bill DroesslerNat Grubbs
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Gary was a genuine friend to my dad, and was so very kind, thoughtful, and helpful to him as he struggled with his health in his last years. Gary would always ask me about him whenever our paths crossed. Such a nice, kind man. I am so thankful for his kindness, and I express my sympathy to his loved ones.Mike Haigh
North Little Rock, AR Friday, September 24, 2021 Janice and familySo many great memories of growing up in Stuttgart with both of you. Butch and I played a lot of ball together. What a great guy. Praying for God’s comfort to all of you
Mike Bryant & Judy Hardester
Little Rock, AR Friday, September 24, 2021 Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss and not just for today, but for the weeks and months ahead as well. Lifting you up in our prayers as you take time to heal. May God bless you and comfort you.Lisa Elliott
Cabot, Friday, September 24, 2021 Goodness, I had no idea my step brother passed away.. Shocking to see this.. Janice may peace be with you in the days to come..Cheri Rash
Monticello, AR Friday, September 24, 2021 I am so sorry for your loss. I will sure miss him coming in Atwoods to say hello and see how we all were doing. My thoughts and prayers are with y’all.Linda Oltmann
, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. Butch was an awesome person to me. He gave all of himself with whatever he did in his life. The last time I visited with Butch, he took me to buy tomatoes for my parents in Monticello. We visited and laughed about many things. I am very thankful for my many memories of him, he was God sent in many wonderful ways. God’s arms around you and his sweet children and grandchildren.Jennifer Thompson
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 So sorry for your loss he will be missedJennifer Thompson
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 So sorry for your loss he will be missedCharlie Mae Smith-Jackson
Wilmar, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 Janice my heart goes out to you Gabe, Heather and the grandkids. I will miss seeing Butch face on Friday mornings and talking to him. You all will always have my love. Charlie MaePam Allen
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 I was so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I feel very blessed to have known him these past many years. Our visits always brightened my day and left me smiling. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.Jerry Jordan
MAUMELLE, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 Gary was a good friend and family man, prayers for his family.Jerry & Sara Jordan
BARBARA NEWTON
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WAS A GOOD MAN. MYPRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
Joe & Rhonda Russ
Gravette, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 Praying for peace and comfort during this time. We are blessed to know Gabe, Gary’s son. What a true great friend he is to us which says so much about Gary as well.Bea Tucker
Wilmar, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 So sorry to hear this!! Mr. Gary was a great guy. Always enjoyed talking with him when our paths crossed. May God give each of you, encouragement, strength and peace during this time.Gail Kizer
Dermott, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 I became acquainted with Gary when I worked at the Cooperative Extension Service; our office was in the Courthouse. Since Gary was a farmer, he would frequently come by the office for information. It was always a good day when he came in the office. He was really a knowledgeable man and so nice and friendly to everyone. I'm glad I knew Gary.Gary Newton
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I sat around the round table at Paint & Lighting many mornings drinking coffee and telling stories. Your description of him in the obituary described him perfectly. We will certainly miss him. Prayers for your family.Gary Newton
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I spent many mornings sitting around the coffee table at Paint & Lightning. The obituary summed him up perfectly. We will certainly miss him. Prayers for your family.Rev Neich Robinson
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 Our deepest sympathies for the Shrum familySandi Holbert
Stuttgart, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 I'm so sorry to hear about Butch. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Love,
Sandi Cross Holbert
Sandi Cross Holbert
Stuttgart, AR Thursday, September 23, 2021 I'm so sorry to hear about Butch. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Dear Shrum Family, I am very sorry for your great loss!! You all are in my prayers at this very sad time!Denise Adams
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Gary spent a lot of time at Paint and Lighting Plus at the round table with my husband Kenny Adams, and later with my nephew. He will be missed. I am sorry for our loss.Denise
Denisha Ornsby Young
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Sending love and healing blessings to all of Mr. Butch's family and friends. This one hurt!! He was such and good man, and I always loved his sense of humor. He will truly be missed!Bonita Yount
Dumas, AR Wednesday, September 22, 2021 So sorry to hear about Mr Gary passing. Such a nice gentleman and friend. He was always so cheerful and glad to see you, just made you feel nice when you talked. I shall miss him. Prayers for the family.