Ouachita Stories

Jeral Hampton, one of Ouachita Baptist University’s longest serving trustees, died Feb. 3 at age 92.

Hampton, a 1943 graduate of Ouachita, served as a member of the Ouachita Board of Trustees for 32 years. He began his trustee service in 1964 and concluded his final term in 2003.

“Jeral Hampton loved the Lord, his family, work and Ouachita,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “He was a tireless advocate for our university.

“Jeral’s devotion is worthy of emulation,” he added. “We thank the Lord for his life, service to Ouachita and ongoing legacy.”

Hampton, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, retired as a National Guard lieutenant colonel. A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Booneville, Ark., he served as a deacon, trustee and Sunday school teacher. He is survived by his son, John Taylor Hampton; daughter, Jane Woolley; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Hampton’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Booneville. Dr. Horne will be one of the speakers at the service, reflecting on Hampton’s Ouachita legacy.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Jeral and Betty Hampton Endowed Scholarship Fund at Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita St., Arkadelphia, AR 71998.