James "Gwen" Ewing of Charleston, Arkansas, passed away on April 23, 2023, at the age of 76. Gwen was born on April 29, 1946, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to the late Roy William Ewing and Dora Alice (Bright) Ewing.

Growing up, Gwen was the youngest of three boys. He lived a very adventurous childhood with his brothers and cousins. Gwen graduated from Glenwood High School in 1964 then attended Henderson State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in education and began his 41 year teaching career at Cutter Morning Star in Hot Springs. The following year, he moved to Charleston and began teaching at Charleston Elementary where his brother, John, was principal. Shortly after his move, he was introduced to Betty Miesner, who after a 3 year courtship, he married on December 23, 1972. Gwen and Betty called Charleston home. Gwen taught at the elementary school for 40 years. He was a math, history, social studies and technology teacher but most of his former students remember him for his kickball skills and his laugh. When he wasn't working at school, you could find him at the Lawn Mower Shop. He was very talented at fixing lawn mowers and loved to spend time with his friends at "The Shop". Gwen was always willing to help others and did it with a big smile on his face. Gwen's great joy came from being with his 3 daughters and later, his grandchildren. He was the best "girl dad" and an awesome GG to all his grandchildren.

Gwen was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Dora Ewing; his brothers, John Ewing and Duane Ewing; his precious daughter, Megan Ewing Whitson; and a granddaughter, Rachel Campbell Smith.

Gwen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty Miesner Ewing; his daughter, Mindy Smith (Stephen) of Fort Smith, his daughter, Marla Kendrick (Greg) of Alma; a niece, Keitha Holland (Wes) of Conway; and a son-in-law, Josh Whitson (Kerri) of Greenwood. Gwen was loved by his
grandchildren, Miles Kendrick, Norah Kendrick, Hayes Whitson, Spicer Fowler, Ewing Smith, Axl Fowler, Sullivan Smith, Burke Kendrick, Theo Whitson, Judah Fowler, Willa Kendrick, Chloe McGuyer and many loving nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

A rosary service will be held on Tuesday, April 25th at 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston, with Deacon Mark Verkamp officiating the service. Visitation will be immediately after the rosary in the parish hall.

The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston, with Father Norman McFall officiating the service. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date.

Cremation and services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charleston Ministerial Alliance, P.O. Box 1087 Charleston, Arkansas 72933 or Charleston Elementary PTO, P.O. Box 188 Charleston, Arkansas. 72933.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.