Arnell Somlar, Jr. "Bow Legs"

Arnell Somlar, Jr., “Bow Legs”, was born March 26, 1956 in Helena, Arkansas to Arnell Sr. and Earline Somlar. After high school, he attended Phillips County Community College before enrolling at University of Arkansas, Monticello. He was an avid baseball player. He usually played at first base or short stop and had the reputation of throwing the fastest and hottest ball, burning out the base men and catchers’ gloves.

Bow Legs was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He wore his letters and the crimson and crème proudly. He moved to Saginaw, Michigan and became employed with General Motors Corporation. He worked at Flint Truck and Bus for over twenty years before retiring. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, bowling, playing cards, and teaching his nephews how to play baseball. He loved his family dearly and had a big heart for people. He was a very giving and generous person who truly loved people. Bow Legs was a good son, brother, companion, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

On Tuesday, July 31, 2018, Bow transitioned to his eternal home. He was preceded in death by his father, Arnell Somlar, Sr.; mother and father-in-law, Wilmer and Vernell Wilson; five cousins, Dorothy Lofton, Virginia Williams, E. W. Thompson, Sandy Williams, Jr., W. M. Guynn; and two sisters-in-law, Linda Wilson and Sherry Lynn Price.

He leaves to celebrate his life his mother, Earline Somlar; two sons, Arnell Jerry Somlar, Jr., DeQuavis Montel Wilson; two grandchildren, Arnell III and Amiya Somlar; loving companion, Cheryl Marie Wilson; sisters, Victoria (Floyd) Smith, Rowlett, Texas, Janice (Stephen) Black, Carolyn (Carl) Davis, Bloomington, Illinois, Delois Somlar, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Earnestine (Leroy) Barnes, Midland, Michigan; brothers, Ralph Terry Somlar (Irma Ocasio), Bloomington, Illinois, Pervis Pendleton (Lisa Martin), Scottsdale, Arizona; seven nieces, Megan, Mallory (Roger), Sparkle (Benjamin), Deja, Yasheka, Shavon, Natasha; twelve nephews, Ryan, Terry, Terrell, David Jr., Carl Jr., Jalen, Markeith, Leroy Jr., Justin, Dillon, Brody, Darren; four great-nieces, Aurora, Janelle, Naomi, Mundai Monae; six great-nephews, Cameron, Christopher, Clayton “C.J.”, Joseph, Leroy III, Rayshawn; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to express special thanks to men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., James Marshall Jackson and Robert Dan Williams, Helen Guynn, Earl and Tella Shannon, Johnnie Mae and Tommy Johnson, James and Derrick Amos, Pastors Eugene and Melissa Burton, Ernestine Jasper, Adlene Jackson, Shontaye Bibbs, Nawal Hamd of Falafel Hut, Sal Hamd of Sal’s Suits and Alterations and everyone else who offered kind words, condolences and support.