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The Ruth and Earl McWherter Family Home Page |
EARL MCWHERTER was born private in Arkansas. He married (1) KOZETTE MORTON 1936 in Tennessee. She died 1950. He married (2) RUTH ANN BURNS April 07, 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, daughter of ROBERT BURNS and EFFIE WALLACE. She was born September 16, 1911 in Amity, AR. Clark Co..
RUTH ANN BURNS7 (ROBERT HIRAM6, WILLIAM M4, HIRAM4, JAMES BURNS JR3, JOHN BURNS SR.2, JOHN HENRICH1 BURNS) was born September 16, 1911 in Amity, AR Clark Co.. She married EARL MCWHERTER April 07, 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born private in Arkansas
Obituary submitted by the McWherter Family July 05, 2007
Earl McWherter, 95, died at his home in Hot Springs, Arkansas on July 3, 2007.
He was born Halloween 1911 in Senath, Missouri to Ida Belle and Henry Luther McWherter.
Dr. McWherter practiced orthodontics and general dentistry for 65 years. In 1942, he was the first graduate from the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. A charter member of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, he had memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists, The Begg Society, and the American and Arkansas Dental Associations.
He was the first Eagle Scout in southeast Missouri, a Silver Beaver, a Vigil in the Order of the Arrow, and he received the National Good Shepard award from the Association of Baptists for Scouting.
As a dental surgeon in the Navy, he served in WWII and the Korean War. In 1999, he was honored for 50 years of service as an AMVET.
He was a member of First Baptist Church and Gideons International. A Rotarian since 1939, he was a Paul Harris Fellow.
He is predeceased by his parents, brother Otto, sister Irene, daughter Lucy Nell, his first wife Kozette Louise Morton, son John Albert, daughter Elizabeth McWherter Ceen, brother-in-law Jacob L. King, and his second wife of 54 years Ruth Ann Burns.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Ida Kozette and Dr. Arthur D. Floyd of Hot Springs, Sarah Earline and Dr. Guillermo R. Sanchez of Cherry Hill, N.J.; and one son, Lawrence McWherter of Hot Springs. He has six grandchildren, Arthur D. Floyd II, Cristina Kozette Sanchez, Marisa Carolina Sanchez, Elizabeth Floyd Hong-Barco, Peter G. Sanchez, and Sarah Maria Sanchez; two great-grandchildren Ethan William Floyd and Grace Kozette Floyd; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Aleene Burns King of Sherwood, Arkansas and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil W. and Anne Morton Bryan of Memphis, Tennessee.
Memorials may be made to Ouachita Area Council Boy Scouts of America, 102 Chippewa Court, Hot Springs, AR 71901 and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock,
AR 72203.
Link to the Dr. Earl McWherter biographical Garland County Historical Society
Obituary appeared in the Sentinel Record
Ruth A. B. McWherter
HOT SPRINGS – Ruth Ann Burns McWherter, 94, died Feb. 26, 2006, at home.
Born Sept. 16, 1911, at Amity to Effie Ruth Wallace and Robert Hiram Burns, she was a housewife and mother, a lifelong resident of Hot Springs and a member of First Baptist Church. She was Past State President of Gideons International. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Ceen, her parents and 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Earl McWherter; one sister, Aleene King; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Dr. Arthur D. Floyd of Hot Springs, Earline and Dr. Guillermo R. Sanchez of Cherry Hill, N.J.; and one son, Lawrence McWherter of Hot Springs. She also has six grandchildren, Arthur D. Floyd II, Cristina Sanchez, Marisa Sanchez, Elizabeth Floyd, Peter Sanchez and Sarah Sanchez; one great-grandchild, Ethan William Floyd; and many nieces and nephews.
Burial will be in Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Ark.
Memorials may be made to Ouachita Area Council Boy Scouts of America, 102 Chippewa Court, Hot Springs, AR 71901; Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock. AR 72203; or Gideons International, 225 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.
The Following Article append in The Alumni Bulletin, a publication of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center of Dentistry, winter 2003 issue. I would like to thank Kay (McWherter) Floyd, Earl's oldest daughter for submitting the article on her father.
5 Years Devoted to Dentistry
The Story of UT’s Earl McWherter
Sixty-five years of devotion to the dental profession qualifies a person to be considered determined, if not simply legendary, and UT's Earl McWherter is nothing short of determined. The 1938 University of Tennessee dental graduate turned 91 last year and you can still find him practicing orthodontics in Hot Springs, Arkansas. According to McWherter, that's what you do when you love your profession, when you love knowing that you can help people; you just keep at it. Dr. McWherter is one of those lucky folks who found his calling and discovered the joy of serving others early in life. And for those around him, his service is a source of inspiration that reaches beyond dentistry.
His life is a remarkable story. Earl McWherter was born October 31,1911, in Senath, Missouri. Growing up in family-owned hotels and restaurants, Earl planned to become a pastry chef after high school, but upon meeting a friend's father who was the town's mayor and also a dentist, his plans changed. He soon left his hometown of Caruthersville, Missouri, to attend college, and in 1933, Earl completed his pre-dental study at Arkansas State College, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He then immediately enrolled in the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee. While at UT, Earl married Miss Kozette Morton in 1936, and after graduation, he and Kozette moved across the river to Marion, Arkansas. From 1938 to 1942, Earl ran a general dental practice there.
While a dental student, Dr McWherter had expressed an interest in orthodontics to Dr. Faustin Weber, the College of Dentistry, Michigan trained orthodontist, who was interested in starting a specialty program in orthodontics at UT. So after graduating Dr, McWherter committed himself to studying orthodontics under the tutelage of Dr. Weber. This relationship culminated in Dr. McWherter being given a certificate in orthodontics by Dr. Weber in 1942. By virtue of this training and certificate, Dr. McWherter became the first dentist in Arkansas to have specialty training in orthodontics.
After his formal training was completed in 1942, he volunteered for duty in the United States Navy and was assigned to the Naval Air Technical Training Command in Norman, Oklahoma, as a dental officer. He was transferred to the USS Fulton in June 1944 and served as the ships dental officer until the end of the war.
After being discharged in 1945, Dr. McWherter and Kozette took their three children, Ida, Elizabeth, and Earline, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Earl opened his orthodontic practice. In 1950, tragedy struck when Kozette died during childbirth, as did their newborn son, John Albert, who passed away the following day Dr. McWherter, then alone, focused his attention on caring for his three girls. But In 1951, happiness found Dr. McWherter once again when Earl's pastor at the First Baptist Church introduced him to Miss Ruth Bums. Later that year, they were married. He and his wife Ruth have one son, Larry.
Dr. McWherter has been actively practicing orthodontics in Hot Springs Arkansas since 1945. During those years, he has made a lasting impact on his family, his church, his community, and the dental profession. He and Ruth have been dedicated members of the First Baptist Church in Hot Springs. They have served on numerous committees and have done many “good works” through their church. Dr. McWherter’s contributions to society and his patients have been significant and marked by a cheerful unselfishness that is refreshing.
Additionally, Dr. McWherter has also been an active member and advocate of the Boy Scouts of America for most of his life. His mother encouraged his interest in scouting at a young age, and 1929 at the age of 18, he became the first Eagle Scott in the southeast Boothill of Missouri. He then served as Scoutmaster in Marion, Arkansas, after graduation from dental school. In 1937-1942, Earl was a Scoutmaster in the Chickasaw Council, and on October 31,1939 he became the duly qualified Scoutmaster of Troop 72in Marion. Between 1946 and 1980, Dr. McWherter held several district and council positions and helped raise money for scouting.
In appreciation of Earl's service to youth and scouting, the Ouachita Area Council Boy Scouts of America presented him with their highest award, the Silver Beaver.
Another civic activity in which Dr. McWherter has been intimately involved is Gideons International, the organization that places Bibles in hospital and hotel rooms. Inspired by the Gideons' ministry, Dr. McWherter decided to place Bibles in all the waiting rooms in the medical building that housed his dental practice. His efforts eventually resulted in Gideons International providing Bibles to medical and dental offices around the world.
Always mindful of his community, Dr. McWherter joined the Rotary Club in Marion, Arkansas in 1939. He continued his Rotary involvement and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997. He also organized the AMVETS Hansford Riley Post No. 8 in Hot Springs in 1947 and was its first Commander. He served on many AMVETS committees, both in Arkansas and on the national level and was honored for his 50 years of service in 1999 at the AMVETS Convention in Russellville, Arkansas.
Professionally he was a visiting faculty member for the University of Tennessee for many years and has lectured and given table clinics at various dental meetings for his entire professional life. In 1995 he was honored as the first recipient of the Faustin Weber Outstanding Alumnus Award by UT Orthodontic Alumni Association.
Dr. Earl McWherter is an outstanding example of a life lived in service- service to his family his community, and his profession. He has been blessed with good health and a long and illustrious career, and he has cheerfully shared his blessing with his family friends, patients and community. We at the University of Tennessee congratulate him for 91 years well lived and thank him for continuing to inspire us.
The following article appeared in Hot Springs Sentinel Record, date unknown.
Taken of Clara Sybil Burns' Scrap Book
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Dr. McWherter Heads Unit of Childs Dentistry
Dr. Earl McWherter, who presided as president this past week at the convention of the Arkansas Unit, American Society of Dentistry for Children, in Little Rock, is now chairman of the board. Dr. McWherter was succeeded by Dr. Lewis R. O'Neal of Jonesboro. Dr. Sam C. Harris, Pine Bluff, is president-elect; Dr. Norwood Brown, Pine Bluff, vice-president; and Dr. Donald E. Taylor, Little Rock, secretary-treasurer.
Other members of the unit in Hot Springs are: Dr. Joe W. Cooper, Jr., Dr. E. H. Dildy, and Dr. James R. Eastburn.
Dr. McWherter received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Tennessee in 1938. He did two years of postgraduate work and received a certificate of post-graduate in Orthodontics from the University of Tennessee in 1942.
He has been practicing in Hot Springs since 1946 but has limited his practice to Orthodontics since June of 1963.
The unit over which Dr. McWherter presided, was having its meeting along with those of the 76th annual convention of the Arkansas Dental Association.
Dr. McWherter has, during the past several years, lectured extensively in various sections of the country on the subject of orthodontics.
The Follow article appeared in the spring 2003 issue, no.23 of Hometown Health Matters' a Publication produced by Colleagues for Colleagues of the Arkansas Department of Health
Larry McWherter: Helping Communities
Prepares for the Unthinkable
After the tragic events of September 11, the federal government realized a need for states to be prepared for what was once considered unthinkable-a bioterrorism attack. Millions of dollars were given to each state to initiate bioterrorism programs. As a result, the Arkansas Department of Health was able to form the Bioterrorism Work Unit to plan for and respond to any bioterrorism threat or event that might occur. In addition, a portion of the funding is being used to assist other programs as well as the public health regions to supply personnel and equipment needed to enhance the agency's ability to prepare and respond.
One of the positions created to support our bioterrorism efforts is a Regional Bioterrorism/Emergency Response Coordinator. Filling that position for the Southeast Region is Larry McWherter.
A native of Little Rock, McWherter grew up in Hot Springs. He spent 23 years in the Army, serving in a variety of capacities including medical and military police. Upon his retirement from military duty in 1986, McWherter was eager to return to his home state. He again settled in Hot Springs, where he still resides today.
After completing his degree in Emergency Medical Services, McWherter began teaching at the community college in Hot Springs until health problems prompted a career change. He joined the ADH family in June of 2000 as an operator for the Emergency Communications Center. .
In January 2003, McWherter was selected as the Southeast Region's Bioterrorism/Emergency Response Coordinator. His military and emergency services experience made him a logical choice.
According to Southeast Regional Information Systems Leader Tammy Cook, McWherter wasted little time in making the rounds to meet colleagues in the Southeast Region. Stationed in the Jefferson County Health Unit, he frequently travels the area offering guidance and assistance to colleagues in the local health units. One of his primary responsibilities is helping the counties form and strengthen their emergency preparedness plans.
Since the implementation of the state's Pre-Event Smallpox Plan in February, McWherter has been actively working with communities and clinic sites within the Southeast Region. Cook adds, "He has been a tremendous asset to us, especially during the smallpox preparedness and vaccination clinics."
While the thought of a bioterrorism attack is frightening, McWherter sees this time as an opportunity to open doors and let everyone know ADH is here to help ensure the of all Arkansas
"Smallpox has given us a tremendous exercise in planning and preparation."
McWherter believes strongly in the work he does, as well as the work of his fellow ADH colleagues, especially members of the Bioterrorism Team. "Those folks are a true team. They listen and your comments matter."
He eagerly gives the credit for any success to those who are responsible for it. "Everyone has been so supportive. The people of ADH are some of the most dedicated and committed individuals I have ever met. They jump through hoops to help their communities and make a difference. Someone from
ADH is available 24-7." ADH and the state of Arkansas are better prepared because of the efforts made by McWherter and the entire
Submitted by Kay McWherter Thanks!
The
following article appeared in the Sentinel Record date unknown, taken from the
Clara Sybil Burns scrapbook.
Teaching Music, Scouting Among Spa
MP's Activities in Europe
Pfc. L.A. McWherter, whose interesting career with the Army Forces in Europe has
included a number of assignments, is home on Christmas furlough with his
parents, Dr. and Mrs. Earl McWherter.
He flies back to Paris Dec.13, in
May of this year. He re-enlisted for the Military Police and was transferred to
Camp Des Loges Paris, from Regensburg, Germany and is now an advanced military
policeman with the 67th Military Police Company, the MP support for Paris and
surrounding areas.
He is also assistant Scoutmaster for
Troop 225, Trans-Atlantic Council (Paris).
He hopes to enter the criminal
investigation detachment in the very near future.
The 20-year -old private, who expects
to make a career of the service, speaks both German and French. In Regensburg,
where he was with the 502nd Armored Medical Company, medical support for the
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He was employed in an additional capacity as
Protestant director of Music for the 3rd Squadron of the 11th A-C. In that
capacity he traveled extensively to teach religious music to chaplain's
assistants in Frankfurt, Manheim, Berlin, and Gertesgaden, to mention a few.
McWherter enlisted in the Army Jan.
21, 1963 at Jackson, Miss., received basic training at Fort Polk, La., and his
medical training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he was awarded a primary
military occupation specialty of 910 (medical corpsman). From there he was sent
to Fort Dix, N.J., for overseas transportation for duty in the Federal Republic
of Germany.
The Sentinel Record
Miss Kozette McWherter Is Wed To Dr, Arthur Don Floyd In Exquisite Afternoon Rites
In an eloquent ceremony yesterday afternoon at four o'clock at the First Baptist Church Miss Kozette McWherter became the lovely bride of Dr. Arthur Don Floyd.
The Rev. James Fitzgerald, pastor of Conley Heights Baptist Church in Fort Worth and formerly of Hot Springs, and the Rev. James Fairchild, pastor, officiated at the double ring nuptials.
She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Earl McWherter of Hot Springs and he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Floyd, Sallisaw, Okla.
Schefflera trees and jade formed the perfect background for the tall brass floor standards of chrysanthemums and gladioli in fall shades of cream, yellow and bronze. Centering the altar was a 19 branched brass candelabrum holding slender cathedral tapers which cast a soft glow over the scene.
Pews were marked with cream satin bows.
Mrs. Norman Sutton, organist, presented a program of nuptial music. She played Romance by Rubinstein, Liebstraum by Listz, Traumeri and Romance by Schumann, Andante Cantabile by Tchaikovsky.
She played the Bridal Chorus from "Lohengrin" by Richard Wagner and the Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by F. Mendelssohn for the processional and recessional, respectively.
The bride descended the aisle with her father who gave her in; marriage. She wore a gown of ethereal loveliness designed in peau de sole. The bell shaped skirt was enhanced with re-embroidered 'Alencon lace. The molded bodice featured a sweetheart neckline and long fitted sleeves that came to calla lily points over the hands. The same lace motif was also arranged on the curving cummerbund that gracefully swept into a chapel train.
Her heirloom Belgian lace veil fell from a silk miniature toque and she carried a prayer book topped with stephanotis.
Mrs. Burl Randolph Stewart of Nashville was matron of honor. Maid of honor was Miss Betty McWherter, sister of the bride. ; Bridesmaids were Miss Dianna Wingfield of North Little Rock, Miss Janice Kay Thomas of Memphis, Miss Marilyn Anthony of Hot Springs. Miss Earline McWherter, sister of the bride, was junior bridesmaid.
Mrs. Steuart was attired in a mocha chiffon dress with gold roses on the bouffant skirt. The other attendants wore identical dresses of antique golf chiffon featuring softly draped neckline and bouffant skirt. They all wore; matching hats, and carried crescent bouquets of white gold centered chrysanthemums.
Beth Verble was flower girl. She wore a floor length dress of white with sash and hat to match the attendants.
Marland Dale Floyd, of Ponca City, Okla., served his brother as best man. Groomsmen were Dr. Sam Hardison of Memphis Dr. Joe D Beasley of Dixon, Texas, Dr. O John Morgan, Oklahoma City, Lawrence A. McWherter and Arnold F Hearst, both of Hot Springs.
For her daughter's wedding Mrs. McWherter wore a dress and jacket ensemble of saffron silk with matching accessories. She pinned a corsage of fleur d’amour at her shoulder.
The bridegroom's mother, Mrs. Floyd, wore a champagne silk brocade dress with matching appointments. She pinned a corsage of gardenias at her shoulder.
Immediately following the ceremony, the bride’s parents entertained with a reception at their home on Holly Street.
The bride's table was draped with a white linen cutwork cloth and centered with a crystal candelabrum holding white tapers and a floral arrangement of white chrysanthemums.
The multi-tiered white cake was decorated with pale yellow flowers, and the punch bowl was encircled with smilax and baby mums in white and gold. Golden punch was poured with a silver iadel by Mrs. Virgil Bryan of Memphis. The cake was served by Mrs. George Alcott of Bald Knob. Others assisting with serving were Mrs. F. P. Hill, Mrs. Jacob L. King, Mrs. R. Julian Glover, Mrs. C. B. Reynolds, Mrs. V. E. Sammons, Mrs. Edward A. May, and Mrs. George Vasilos.
Miss Carol King was in charge of the guest register.
The bridesmaid’s gold and white bouquets were arranged in bronze containers throughout the entertaining rooms.
The bride tossed her bouquet from the stairway entwined with ivy and smilax which was caught at intervals with tiny nosegays .For her wedding trip she changed to Claret colored knit suit with matching appointments. She pinned a corsage of gardenias at her shoulder.
She is a graduate of Hot Spring: High School and attended San Marcos Academy in San Marcos Tex. She is also a graduate of the University Of Tennessee School Of Dental Hygiene in Memphis.
The bridegroom received his bachelor of science degree from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Okla., and his Doctor it Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Dental College in Memphis. Following their wedding trip to Hot Springs, Virginia the couple will reside in Norfolk Va.
Out-of-town wedding guests were Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bryan of Memphis, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Lamport, Texarkana, Tex., Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Tompson, Sallisaw, Okla., Miss Joyce Tickle Bristol, Tenn., Dr. and Mrs. George Alcott and children of Bah Knob, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Forge;
of Bald Knob, Mrs. J. Paul Voss Sallisaw, Okla., Miss Harriet Huff man, Memphis, Miss Mary Fox Nashville, Tenn., and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Jackson, of Gurdon.
Undated by Robert Reynolds; Reynolds Archives, January 01, 2011_ October 27, 2020