Antoine Thomas Massery died on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the age of 83 in the arms of the love of his life Hazel after a brief, but hard-fought battle with cancer. Antoine was the best husband, Daddy, Paw Paw, brother and father-in-law a family could be fortunate enough to have for so many years.
Antoine was born June 30, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas to Albert and Thelma Massery. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Linda Umholtz and brother-in-law Dale Umholtz.
Antoine is survived by his wife of 64 years, Hazel, son Antoine “Tony” Massery (Treasa), son David Massery (Carol) and daughter Maria Krueger (Keith), brother Albert “Uncle Joe” Massery, grandchildren Niki Howell (Andy), Shelli Thompson (Josh), David Massery (Traci), Joey Massery (Courtney), Jennifer Evans (Jesse), Sabrina Cornelius (Shane), Jason Eddy, Jordan Krueger and Kendall Ficarelli (Matt) and great grandchildren Angela Dunn (fiancée Michael Barton), Colt Thompson, Kenzie Thompson, Hailee Barnard (Jared), Zoe Massery, Kiya Massery, A.J. Massery, Wesley Evans, Jonathan Belcher, Joshua Belcher, Jackson Belcher, Will Eddy and Lilly Eddy. Nephews Curtis Umholtz (Dana), Christopher Umholtz and Craig Umholtz (Rachel).
Antoine’s motto was “improvise, overcome and adapt” and he could fix anything, even if sometimes it wasn’t worth fixing, he just enjoyed tinkering. He also loved to trouble-shoot and taught all of us his two best questions for a problem “Is it plugged up? Is it turned on?”. He loved taking care of the house he built for Hazel, helping nephew Christopher with anything, working in the yard and gardens, but mostly mowing and his favorite past time of weed-whacking. Daddy hated weeds, but the weeds loved his yard.
Antoine loved being surrounded by his family, listening to all the stories, and laughing. We will miss his quick wit, that sometimes only he got, and his great smile and laugh.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at CHI St. Vincents over the past few months. They took the best care of Daddy.
A memorial service for the immediate family will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
13 Comments
Me, Antoine and Lee Roy Goodson were close friends in high school. We enjoyed hanging out at lunch time. Antoine was everything his obituary mentions . I will miss talking to him on the phone,, we could solve the worlds problems. I miss him deeply.
My deepest sympathies to Hazel and all of Antoine’s family. I always felt Antoine was a special guy. I know he will be missed.
Thanks for being a great Paw Paw to my kids and grandkids all these years! Rest in peace😇🙏🏻
I know all of them loved you with all their hearts💗
He was such a good Pawpaw. I’m going to miss him dearly
Antoine was a special person. From the moment we met him he welcomed us into the family with open arms. He was loving and caring for everyone he knew. He loved his family hard and loved his wife Hazel even harder. They were the epitome of true love. It was a joy seeing them grow together through the 20 some years we’ve been in this family. Antoine will be truly missed.
He will be watching over us all, reminding us to “improvise, overcome and adapt.”
I enjoyed the all to brief time that I spent with Antoine. We chatted about technology both past and present. We chatted about knives and all things gardening. Antoine will be missed, but will not be forgotten.
I’m so sorry for your loss Ms. Hazel. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I don’t know if you remember me, as I am Jennifer Evans mother in law. I really enjoyed talking to you and your husband when we went to Arkansas and met you. May God bless you and hold you close.
Hazel. I was sorry to hear about Antoine. Although I have never met you or Antoine, I knew your mother very well, and I admire you.
Sorry to read of Antoine’s passing. Prayers for the family..
Hazel and kids so sorry for your loss prays for the family
Peace & comfort to all the family, during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Albert , “Kitty”, and Antoine we’re all good friends of mine at the former Fuller high school. I miss all my friends from there. I just recently had two losses in my family .my daughter Rhonda in July and my wife Mollie in August. Prayers for you all!
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