Judge Edwin Boyd Alderson Jr.

Edwin Boyd Alderson, Jr. passed away October 5, 2017. The oldest son of Jewell Sample Murphy Alderson and Edwin Boyd Alderson, he was a sixth-generation resident of Union County. A 1958 graduate of El Dorado High School he attended The University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee where he graduated with a degree in Philosophy in 1962. He did a year of post-graduate study in Philosophy at the University of Georgia. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from The University of Arkansas and returned to El Dorado as an attorney with Crumpler, O’Connor, Wynne and Mays, and later with Murphy Oil Corporation.

In 1969, he and William C. Nolan, Jr. formed the law partnership of Nolan and Alderson. They began a business partnership to purchase a group of radio stations in 1970 and began Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation, which expanded to over 20 radio stations in 3 states. Edwin’s interest in the radio business began during the early years of Rock and Roll when he started collecting 45 RPM records and participated in a local radio show on KELD in El Dorado with George Bramblett called “The Sharps and Flats.” Edwin was a long-time board member and chairman of First Financial Bank which started as an Savings and Loan with 15 employees and has since grown into a nationwide lending operation with almost 300 employees.

In addition to his varied business interests, he was first elected as the Union County Municipal Judge in 1972 and served in that capacity for twenty years. He was known to apply fairness and common sense to challenge the logic and thoughtfulness of those appearing before him. Edwin made significant contributions to the Arkansas judicial system as he created a bill to streamline the procedures for Arkansas Municipal and District Court. He is a lifetime member of the Arkansas District Judges Council. In 1991 he was appointed to serve as a Special Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. He served two six-year terms on the Arkansas State Board of Law Examiners. Judge Alderson has served on the Arkansas Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee since its inception in 1992 and served as its Chairman until his death.

As Chairman of the Arkansas State Health Planning Council in 1974-76 he oversaw many changes in the health systems of the state. He served as President of South Arkansas Regional Health Center through the early days of its formulation and held leadership positions with many community organizations in South Arkansas. Edwin was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado and part of the team of teachers that taught Sunday School in the Fellowship Bible Class – live and on the air!

One of Edwin’s great passions was riding horses with his cowboy friends in New Mexico. He participated in many trail rides in New Mexico and Arizona, and was known as an outstanding horseman, campfire entertainer and bartender. One of his most memorable rides was a reenactment of the last ride of Billy-the-Kid. Edwin was a director and past president of the Chuck Wagon Trail Riders, and served as president of the organization’s Foundation. His love of natural horsemanship led him to service on the board of the Pat and Linda Parelli Foundation for Natural Horsemanship.

Edwin spent untold time and resources in a relentless effort to improve and advance his beloved hometown of El Dorado and South Arkansas. He was a founder and the president of El Dorado Fifty for the Future, which has made a significant impact in the local business environment. He was instrumental in establishing El Dorado Festivals and Events and helping it grow from an idea to reality as it recently completed a successful five-night grand opening of the Murphy Arts District.

Being of the sixth generation of Union County pioneers, he was keenly interested in the documentation of his forefathers and uncovered several historic gravesites. One of which was Bathus Chinn Alderson, whose first land grant was recorded in 1849 from Choctaw Land. Edwin claimed many admirable traits of his paternal great uncle, Sterling Lacy, who brought the Presbyterian Church to Union County and was known to recite the entire New Testament. (Maybe that’s why Edwin could recite all the words to songs of the Fifties).

Edwin was predeceased by his Mother, Jewell Murphy Alderson (her parents being O. G. Murphy and Louella Sample Murphy), his Father, Edwin Boyd Alderson, Sr., and his only brother, Alan Alderson.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Gunn Nolan Alderson; his son Ed Alderson and daughter Mary Tracy Alderson and Amy Allen and Tracy’s three children, Jewell Murphy Fort, David Eric Fort, Jr. and John Hudson Fort. His step children, Diny Nolan Landen and her husband Jim and their sons James, Wilson and Charlie Landen; Trey Nolan and his wife Carla and their children Will, Alex and Cate Nolan; and Jeff Nolan and his wife Cara and their sons Jack, Henry and Tommy Nolan.

“Judge” as he was affectionately called, is certainly known for his wit and wisdom but most importantly his dogged pursuit of the most POSITIVE attitude for making things happen. His unwavering ability to see the best in people and remain optimistic in the toughest of times continue to inspire even in his absence. He will be missed by his countless friends, loving family, and those who had the good fortune to cross his path.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 9, 2017 at First Baptist Church in El Dorado with Rev. Jonathan Kelley officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:30 – 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Young’s Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society, P.O. Box 148, El Dorado, AR 71730, or to the charity of your choice.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com