Hershal Eldon Alford, affectionately known as Papa, age 90, passed from this life June 19, 2025. Hershal was born May 23, 1935 in Shelby County, TX to the late Emette and Mae Alford.

Hershal Alford, a man of unwavering faith, humble strength, and boundless generosity, passed from this life into the arms of his Savior, leaving behind a legacy built on hard work, deep convictions, and love for family and community.

Hershal worked many years on the pipeline before finding his lifelong career with the E&W Railroad, where he served as an engineer and eventually retired. His work ethic was matched only by his passion for sharing the Gospel—he was a devoted soul winner who personally knocked on doors from El Dorado to Strong, determined that no home go untouched by the message of Jesus Christ. Hershal's life was a living testimony of his faith, and he was a proud charter member of Parkers Chapel First Baptist Church and then later a member of Caledonia Baptist Church.

He found joy in the simple things—a good day of hunting or fishing, a back-porch picking session with friends and family, or gathering for music at church events and local nursing homes. Hershal's love for music and fellowship filled many hearts, and his guitar was never far from reach.

He also had a gifted hand in the garden, always raising the biggest, prettiest crops. His yard was full of life, including plum, apple, and pear trees that bore fruit under his careful watch. Each season brought its blessings, and Hershal enjoyed sharing his harvests with those around him.

Every fall, he looked forward to Boone's Mound squirrel camp with his friend Crick, where stories, laughter, and memories were made with family and friends. Whether in the woods, the church pew, or the garden rows, Hershal lived life with purpose and heart.

He leaves behind not just memories, but a lasting impact on everyone he met. Hershal Alford will be dearly missed, but his spirit, faith, and kindness will live on in the lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parent; two brothers Burt Alford and Joe Alford; three sisters Neil Sims, Peggy Culpepper, and Edith Rash; son Gary Hamaker; daughter Vickie Allison; granddaughter Katie Summerville; and son-in-law David Summerville.

Those left to cherish his memory include: his loving wife of sixty-two years Shirley Lee Alford; two daughters Debbie Summerville and Teresa Hamaker; one son Mike Alford; three grandsons Josh Alford (Mandy); great-grandsons Josh Jr., Beau Summerville, and Russell Stone (Alison); seven granddaughters Jami Alford, Jordan Alford (J), Jennifer Alford Wood (Jeremy), Jamie Allison Sinclair (Ben), Shana Pugh Welch (Bill), Kayla Pugh Stockstill (Blake), Lynlee Hamaker Yeager (Jacob); as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services in his honor will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Perry's Funeral Chapel in El Dorado, AR, Pastors Mike Crump and Ken Nelson officiating, internment following at Gravel Ridge Cemetery in Hermitage, AR. A time of visitation will be held for 1:00 PM until time of service at the funeral home.