State Representative Stan Berry, age 71, of Dover, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at his home.  He was born May 20, 1954, in Dover to Jack and Elaine Churchill Berry.

A giant in the lives of his family and friends, Stan will be remembered for his deep and abiding love for those closest to him. Known affectionately as "Poppa" to his grandchildren, he delighted in creating hand-drawn cartoon characters on their birthday cards, small but meaningful expressions of the joy they brought to his life.

Stan's life was defined by service. He entered public office not for recognition, but from a sincere desire to help others, especially in rural communities like the one he loved. A steadfast advocate for education, he began his public service on the Dover School Board, driven by a belief that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. That commitment carried through his seven terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he consistently supported increased funding for public education, higher teacher pay, and policies that uplifted students, teachers, and school staff.

He often spoke of his passion for education as deeply personal, noting that his wife and daughters dedicated their careers to schools. He believed strongly in listening to educators and ensuring they had the support and respect they deserved.

Yet above all, his guiding principle was his Christian faith. His love for Jesus shaped his life, and he strived daily to reflect that faith through kindness, compassion, and a genuine love for others.

Stan was an elder of Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he cherished his church family. He was also an active member of his community in countless ways, from civic involvement to hosting cherished family traditions like Christmas breakfast at his home. He was also fondly remembered by his family for his passion for quail hunting and having a well-manicured yard.

A passionate supporter of the Dover Pirates, Stan was honored as Citizen of the Year and the Good Samaritan Award by the Dover Chamber of Commerce, a testament to the impact he made in his community.

His public service extended beyond the legislature. He previously served in the National Guard, on the Dover City Council, the Tri-County Water Commission, the Pope County 911 Board, and was a charter member of the Dover Lions Club for more than 37 years, where he was a Melvin Jones Fellow and served in numerous roles supporting Dover Schools. In the legislature, he represented District 44, serving on the House Public Transportation Committee, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandparents, L.J. Churchill and Audra Churchill, and Floyd and Ruth Berry.

He is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Mona; his sister, Pam Chastain (Ronnie) of Conway; his children, Blake Berry of Fort Smith, Casey Taylor (Jim) of Russellville, Justin Singleton (Melissa) of Dover, and Kelsey Scott (Mark) of Rogers; and his nine cherished grandchildren: Asher and Bennett Berry; Hagen and Gray Taylor; Sadie and Porter Singleton; and Anna, Emily, and Will Scott; and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Dover First Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Underhill and the Rev. Michael Galloway officiating. Burial will be in McFadden Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 83, Dover AR  72837.

Pallbearers will be Lance Chastain, Ronnie Leavell, Scotty Summers, Mark Scott, Jim Taylor, Asher Berry, Gary Churchill, Kim Virden and Robert Dale.

Stan Berry leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and love, one that will continue to live on in the family he adored, the community and state he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.