In Loving Memory of Nate Cantrell

Nathan Douglas Cantrell, 32, of Springdale, passed away from neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2018, nearly six years after the doctors gave him six months to live. He was born on September 19, 1986 in Little Rock to Dana (Wormington) Creek and C. Douglas Cantrell.

Nathan was preceded in death by grandparents Henry and Mary Jane Cantrell, Lorena Wormington, Rayburn Wormington, and Bob Creek, as well as uncle Dave Wilson.

Nathan is survived by his wife Elisha Taldo - Cantrell and a son, Asher Wallace Cantrell, both of the home; father C. Douglas Cantrell of West Fork; mother Dana Creek and stepfather Dave Creek of Springdale; sisters Madison Cantrell of West Fork and Ashley Creek (Mickey) of San Francisco, CA; brother Aaron Creek (Anna) of Panama City Beach, FL; grandmothers Kathy Wormington of Purdy, MO and Mary Hope Creek of Springdale, AR; father-in-law Curtis Taldo of Springdale; mother-in-law Kim Taldo of Springdale; sisters-in-law Emarie Taldo of Springdale and Erica Taldo-Phillips (Jonathan) of Springdale; aunts Debra Cantrell - Wilson of Fayetteville, Donna Cantrell of Stillwater, OK, Jeanie Johnston (Herbie) of Norwood, MO, Denise Channel of Fayetteville, Cousins, Cassie Ferguson (Tyler) of West Fork, and Kennedy Channel of Chapel Hill, NC, one Great Aunt, Peggy Cantrell of Knoxville, TN Debra Ferrell of Albuquerque, NM, and Dena Creek of Springdale; uncles Kip Cullers (Michelle) of Purdy, MO, Courtney Cullers (Kelley) of Aurora, MO, Denny Wormington (Patty) of Albuquerque, NM, and Curtis Creek (Debbie) of Springdale; nieces Lucy Creek and Ayla Phillips; along with numerous cousins, other extended family, and a host of long-time friends.

Nathan was a devoted father and husband. He met the love of his life Elisha at the age of 14, and once he got his license and that Wagoneer he finally worked up the courage to ask her out. They tied the knot on April 19, 2017 in Little Rock. Asher was born to the happy couple on March 17, 2017. Becoming a father was Nathan’s proudest moment. The boy could not resemble his dad more, and if he turns out to be anything like Nathan, Elisha is going to have her hands full.

Nathan graduated from West Fork High School, where he attempted to play left tackle and defensive end on the football team. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Arkansas.

Nathan was an avid outdoorsman from an early age and above all loved to fish. Even after his diagnosis, Nathan hardly slowed down and would take anyone who was willing headlong into adventure. He eventually became quite gifted with a fly rod, angling from Colorado to Michigan to the Gulf Coast, though he could usually be found on some White River tailwater. When his mother cautioned him about embarking on a Reel Recovery expedition up north because he was mid-treatment, Nathan’s response was simple: “If I’m walking, I’m going.” He even fished the pond in front of Washington Regional during extended hospital stays to help pass the time.

Nathan was a renaissance man, also a half-decent woodworker, enjoyed shooting and editing music videos, and thought himself so witty he once tried to be a comedian. He had a knack for regaling complete strangers with tall tales of his exploits, and those strangers often found themselves among those folks lucky enough to call him friend. Most everyone who knew him was better off for it. He was one of a kind and certainly gave it everything he had. For that, Nathan, you will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Unfortunately, do to Nathan's early age of diagnosis, he was denied a life insurance policy for his family.  In lieu of flowers we are seeking donations to help Elisha out during this time of mourning, and start a college fund for their son Asher.  Contributions to honor Nathan’s memory may also be deposited in a savings account opened for Asher’s college fund by going to any Arvest Bank and providing Asher’s full name and date of birth (both above). 100% of your donations will go to Elisha and Asher. A celebration of life will be held at 3pm on October 27th at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum, 4290 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72701 - Obituary written by Rob Lee

Thank you for your sympathies and donations. We love and miss you so much Nathan.