In Loving Memory of Monte Richard Faford

October 16, 1949 – August 10, 2026

Monte Richard Faford, age 76, of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 10, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever carry his love, strength, and spirit with them.

Born October 16, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois, Monte was the son of the late Leo Paul Faford and Delores Imogene Matthews. He was of the Catholic faith and had served as an altar boy in his younger years.

Monte was a proud United States Marine and Vietnam veteran who courageously completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was also a recipient of the Purple Heart. His military service reflected the strength, courage, and resilience that remained a part of who he was throughout his life. Monte carried the title of Marine with tremendous pride and honor.

Following his military service, Monte worked as a truck driver and union laborer before retiring. But the titles he treasured most were husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

When Monte wasn't spending time with his family, one of the places he was happiest was outdoors, especially with a fishing pole in his hand. He loved to fish and had a deep appreciation for nature and life's simple pleasures. A quiet day near the water was time well spent.

Monte also had an especially soft heart for animals. Over the years, countless stray dogs and cats were fortunate enough to cross his path. If an animal needed food, shelter, or simply someone to care, Monte rarely turned it away. Many strays found not only a home with him, but someone who genuinely loved and cared for them. His compassion extended to those who could not ask for help themselves, and that kindness was an important part of the man he was.

Above all, Monte's greatest legacy is his family.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa; his daughters, Angela Faford, Amy Faford, and Meghan Burris; his special niece, Molly Faford; his sister, Sharon Abney; his grandchildren, Lucas, Jordan, Lauren, Taylor, Leigh, Toree, Jacob, and Emilee; his great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Kameron, Holdyn, Ares, Kobe, Avonna, Tootie, Ivory Mae, Haevyn and Piper.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Michelle Bartlett; his sister, Linda Dyer; his brothers, Greg Faford and Ronald Faford; and his beloved grandsons, Noah Andrew Coiley and Nathaniel Lane Burris.

While his passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, there is comfort in imagining Monte's reunion with Michelle, Noah, Nathaniel, and the loved ones who went before him, waiting to welcome him home.

Monte lived a life marked by service, strength, family, compassion, and a love for the outdoors. His stories will continue to be told, his memory will live on through the generations of family he leaves behind, and pieces of him will remain in the ordinary moments that suddenly become treasured ones: a peaceful day outdoors, the tug of a fishing line, or a stray animal needing a little kindness.

Those moments will bring him close again and remind everyone who loved him of the man he was.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00A.M., Friday, August 28, 2026 at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville.

Semper Fi, Marine. Your service is complete. Your watch has ended.

May the waters always be calm, may the fish always be biting, and may you rest peacefully knowing you were deeply loved and will never be forgotten.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com