From the fields in the wilderness for a turkey hunt, to running the roads and trails of Arkansas, to the lush garden in front of his house, or to a casual game of Chicken Foot dominos, Greg Bourns was always active in any number of his avid interests. Through his work and involvement in the community and state, Greg touched the lives of hundreds over his lifetime.
Greg was born in Toppenish, Wash., on Oct. 13, 1939, the son of Roy Lee and Mary Barnacascel Bourns. He graduated from Gillham High School in 1958. After attending Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, Okla., Greg served in the Pensacola Florida Naval Air Station as a cadet in the flight program.
Greg then turned to the banking industry where he worked for the next 42 years in several Arkansas communities, including Hot Springs, Nashville, Waldron, Ashdown, and most recently, Mena, where he retired.
He loved to turkey hunt and looked forward to it each year.
In mid-life, he dedicated himself to living a healthier lifestyle. His running life began venturing out on his first run in a pair of old blue jeans with his daughter, who easily outran him. Always a competitor, Greg was driven to improve. Soon, he was running 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons. On almost any given Saturday morning at a 5K race somewhere in the state, you could hear someone call out “Hey Greg,” by one of his many admiring friends he made through running.
During the spring and summer, one could find Greg working in his large, plush garden, which he produced each year.
Greg had a wide variety of interests, ranging from beekeeping, to astronomy, to history – he had a curious mind and was always seeking to learn and improve.
Greg is survived by his wife, Maureen DuBoise Bourns; four sons, Roy (Sherry) Bourns, Scott Bourns, Jeff (Teresa) Bourns, and Brandt (Megan) Bourns; one daughter, Theresa Bourns; one son-in-law, Mark Trout; three sisters, Ila Montgomery, MaryLynn (Jerry) Reese, and Lynda (Rick) Roady; and 10 grandchildren, Isaac, Hannah, Megan, Silas, Sam, Lauren, Sara, Cale, Harrison, and Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Shirlee Brown; and his daughter Tracie Bourns Trout.
Those who knew Greg, always have a funny story to share, as well as a time his actions touched their lives and those around them.
Family members will cherish the good memories of Greg and the laughter and good times he brought. And they hope that friends can remember those good times as well.
There are three words painted in bold letters in his home office: “Remember to Live.” Greg lived those words each and every day. In honor of Greg, may we all remember to live by those words as well.
No services are planned at this time.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Ark.
