Joe Edward Rudkins of Sheridan, Arkansas was born in Sheridan on October 8, 1917, the son of the late John and Mattie Puckett Rudkins. He died on September 11, 2005 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 87 years. He was a member of New Life Fellowship Church; a retired self-employed auto mechanic; and was a veteran of the Army, serving during World War II. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Rudkins.

Survivors are his wife, Audrey Hester Rudkins of the home;
Daughter: Sandra and husband Dr. Cliff Boswell of Batesville, Arkansas;
Daughter-in-Law: Remy Rudkins Davenport of Sheridan;
Six Grandchildren: Maria and husband, Marc Matoska; Justin and wife Robin Rudkins; Zack Boswell; Micah and wife Tasha Boswell; Jacob Boswell; Leah and husband Caleb Eckart;
Two great-grandchildren, Presley and Spencer Matoska

Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 10 AM at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan, with Reverend Steve Cypert; Reverend Tommy Cypert and Reverend Marvin Webb officiating. Burial will be in Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Dale Davenport, Justin Rudkins, Eddie Benfield, Zack Boswell, Micah Boswell, Jacob Boswell.Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home (870-942-1306). Sign online at www.memorialgardenssheridan.com