Joe David Fast, age 79 of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Friday, November 29, 2013 at his home.

The son of David and Mayme (Ruble) Fast was born July 27, 1934 in Harrison.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors are his wife, Shirley Ann Fast of the home; son, Joe Douglas "Doug" Fast of Branson, Missouri; and daughter, Tammy Hardesty and husband, Greg of Fairbury, Illinois.

He enjoyed stock car racing.

Joe was a retired U.S. Army combat veteran with over 41 years of service, he earned the Bronze Star during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991.

He began his military career in September 1952 when he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. In November 1954 he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard serving with the 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Within a year of his enlistment into the Arkansas Army National Guard his supervisors recognized his tremendous leadership potential promoting him to Sergeant.

Joe was soon selected to attend officer training and successfully endured intense training through the Arkansas Military Academy, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in field artillery. He was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion 142nd Field Artillery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. As an officer, Joe served in numerous command and staff assignments in the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade and at the state headquarters for the Arkansas National Guard. These assignments included Battery Commander, Battalion Logistics Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, and as an Engineer Staff Officer.

After earning rank of Major, Joe reverted back to a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in 1974 as Sergeant First Class. He continued to serve in the 142nd Field Artillery and in 1984 was selected to serve as the full-time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) fire direction NCO for 1st Battalion 142nd Field Artillery headquartered in Harrison, Arkansas. In 1989, Joe was promoted to Master Sergeant and served as the Battalion Operations NCO providing the strong leadership that proved critical to the unit's mobilization and deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

In July 1994, after 41 years of service, Joe retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard. Serving in the Arkansas Army National Guard, Joe not only witnessed history he participated in history. His service ranged from defending national interest during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm to providing domestic support during the Central High Crisis of 1957. A highly decorated Soldier, Joe Fast is a true patriot and embodies the spirit of the citizen-soldier.

Visitation was Monday, December 2, 2013 with the funeral service following, both at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel with Ray Crawford officiating.

Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers were Donald Hefley, Jim Campbell, Rex Brazell, Ed Auston, Bob Henderson, and Eddie Mark Edwards.

Online condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.