Maurice Wilton Shoptaw of Sheridan, Arkansas died Friday, December 9, 2005 at the age of 80. He was born June 5, 1925 in Prattsville, Arkansas the son of the late Flobert W. and Bonnie Harvey Shoptaw.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Shoptaw and sisters, Harvey Rita Halbert and Joan Cathey.
Maurice was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Sheridan, the church choir and the Primetimers.
He was a member of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason and served two years as District Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. He was the last person living whose name is placed on the cornerstone of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge Building.
Maurice was a lineman for Arkansas Power and Light Company for 12 years and a volunteer fireman for 22 years with the Sheridan Fire Department and was a former member of the Lions Club and Jaycees. He also ran for public office in Grant County and Served 4 years as Assessor, 6 years as Treasurer, and 10 years as County and Circuit Clerk before retiring in 1990.
Maurice also had an income tax business he operated for many years before he became ill.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Earlene of the home: Sons, David Ray Shoptaw (Glenda) of Hot Springs; Steven Shoptaw of Benton: Daughters, Carol Tygart (Phil) of Maumelle; Bonnie Stafford (Brian) of Little Rock.
Survivors also include grandchildren, Dr. Bryan Tygart (Lana) of Tennessee; Aaron Tygart (Valerie) of Little Rock; Jonathan Tygart of Little Rock; Clay Shoptaw of Hot Springs; Stuart Shoptaw (Sarah) of Camden; Stacy Shoptaw of Hot Springs; Allison Meharg (Scott) of Benton.
Other survivors are great grandchildren, Maegan, Cody, Jack, Spencer, Max and Baker Tygart; Arwen and Avery Shoptaw.

Funeral Services will be Monday, December 12, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. Mark Lindsey and Dr. Ed Simpson officiating.
Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville.
Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Bryan and Aaron Tygart, Clay and Stuart Shoptaw, Scott Meharg and Brian Stafford.
Honorary pallbearers are the Primetimers of First Baptist Church, Sheridan Masonic Lodge and Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1201 South Rock, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150 or Grant County Museum, 521 Shackleford Road, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150.
Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870)942-1306. To sign the online guestbook www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.