Billy Joe Stout, a resident of Bentonville, AR, passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born on February 12, 1949, in Perryton, TX.

Billy graduated from Wichita South High School and served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972, with three tours of duty in Vietnam, where he earned numerous medals, including the Purple Heart.

He was deeply involved in Boy Scouts of America, which left a lasting impact on his life.

Billy also competed in the sport of Javelin throwing.  He reached 3rd place in Nationals and qualified for the Olympics before returning for another tour of duty in Vietnam.

A talented musician, Billy played several instruments, including the cornet, trumpet, various drums, and harmonica. He was an active member of his school band as well as the Drum and Bugle Corps named Scarlet Lancers, competing in Nationals in Washington, DC.

He also had a passion for vocal music, participating in church choirs, men's quartets, and duets with his wife.

In 1986, Billy accepted a job at Walmart Home Office, a relocation, that lead the family to Bentonville, Arkansas.

He spent his final days at Concordia in Bella Vista.  Billy will be dearly missed by all whom knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Joe Johnson Stout; his father, Marvin Lelan Stout; and his sister, Marva Jean Stout Batman.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joleen Fager Stout of Bentonville; his son, Lester Irwin Stout; granddaughter, Summer Lily Stout of Bella Vista; his sisters, Teresa Jarvis of Wichita, KS, and Mary Rice (husband Tracy) of Broken Arrow, OK.  He is remembered fondly by his sister-in-laws, Joyce Fager Mosteller (husband James I.) of Columbia, SC and Judith Fager Gee (husband David) of Bothell, WA; brother-in-laws, Larry Dean Fager of Wichita, KS, and David Batman of Oklahoma; along with four nephews, three nieces, and many great-nephews and nieces.

For those who desire to donate in Bill Stout's memory, below are some organizations that Bill and Joleen loved and have supported, and how you can contact them.

The honoree:  Billy Joe Stout   (a Navy Viet Nam Veteran)

1.  Tunnel to Towers, https://t2t.org, and then go to the 'donate' page.  (718-987-1931). Since 9/11, we have been helping America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.

2.  First Church of God, www.fcoghutch.com, to donate to Life Outreach, %Patty Muntz, 704 N. Jefferson St., Hutchinson, KS  67501 (620-662-6689) or please donate to your local food pantry.

3.  The Nazarene Fund, https://thenazarenefund.org.  Go to the 'donate' page.

4.  Preborn,  www.Preborn.com, (800-941-0151), a non-profit pro-life organization dedicated to saving babies and souls by offering free ultrasounds, support, and resources to pregnant women.

5.  Samaritan's Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org.  You can donate online or call (828-262-1980).

6.  International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, ifcj.org/ways-to-give.  Providing Christians with opportunities to fulfill Biblical prophecy by supporting Israel and the Jewish people with lifesaving aid.

Arrangements are made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory where online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.