Henry George “H.G.” Sunderman, age 89 of Mena, Ark., passed away peacefully at the Springs of Mine Creek in Nashville, Ark., on Oct. 1, 2026.
Born on Feb. 27, 1937, in Nashville, Ark., Henry was the son of the late Charles Frederick Sunderman and Lydia Susan Voerster. Henry was known by his family and his schoolmates in Nashville as H.G. He graduated from Nashville High in 1956 and attended the University of Arkansas. He was a devoted husband for 61 years to the late Betty Sue Ryals Sunderman and was a loving father to the late Lisa Sunderman Kelly. He is survived by his son, Wesley Sunderman of Tucker, Ga. H.G. was the last living child of his parents, being preceded in death by five brothers — Charles, infant Edwin, Leroy, Robert, Harold (Juanita) Sunderman — and two sisters, Catherine Sunderman (William) Miller and Dorothy Sunderman. He is survived by two sisters-in-law Willie Lee Sunderman (Leroy) of Nashville Ark., and Nancy Sunderman (Robert) of Cedar Hill Texas. He is also survived by Betty’s sister, Marie Ryals Myers of Hatfield, Ark. H.G. was an influential Uncle to numerous nephews and nieces, as well as cousins.
The Sunderman and Voerster Families were part of the original families of Mena and Cherry Hill in the 1800’s. The two sets of grandparents were the founding members of the local Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena. There were more than 120 years of Sundermans and Voersters teaching children’s Sunday School at Trinity. He was baptized as a youth at Trinity Lutheran, which recently celebrated it’s 125th anniversary.
H.G. was a member of First United Methodist Church of Mena and was a man known for his dedication to service — both in his career and his community. Over the years, he served as Local Manager for SWEPCO in several Arkansas and Texas communities, including Gilmer, Texas, as well as Waldron and Mena, Ark. Even in retirement, he remained active in public service and served two terms as Mayor of Mena from 1995 -2002, where he continued to advocate for and uplift his community.
His passion for community involvement extended through his membership in Mena’s International Rotary Club, where he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow—an honor reflecting his generous spirit and commitment to service above self.
A man of deep integrity and an active sense of humor, H.G. leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and love. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He asked that no tears be shed for him as he had a blessed life.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Henry George “H.G” Sunderman will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Ark. Services under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general and an hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mena/Polk Co. International Rotary Club. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 1776 Mena, AR 71953.
