co-owner and funeral director, Essex Funeral Home, DeWitt, Arkansas, died September 14, 2025, at age 74.

Essex served in the U.S. Navy aboard a submarine. After his discharge, he lived in New England, then graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science. He ultimately joined the family business in Arkansas, where he and his brother were third-generation funeral directors.

For many years, he was active on the South Arkansas County Fine Arts Council, and he served on the DeWitt City Council and South Arkansas County Library Board. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and member of DeWitt Rotary Club, where he served as president. He was a lifelong member of DeWitt Methodist Church and sang tenor in the Chancel Choir for most of his life.

Essex is survived by children Tim, Tonya and Elizabeth; and grandchildren Alister and Rachel.