Joe Angel Regalado

Joe Angel “Papa” Regalado, 89, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away on March 25, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He was born on August 2, 1936, in Quitaque, Texas, the son of Pedro and Nieves Regalado.

Joe was a Korean War Air Force veteran who served as a jet engine mechanic. While stationed in South Carolina, he met and married Carolyn Dotson “Meme” on June 17, 1957.

Joe was lovingly called “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He owned and operated a body shop in Jenks, Oklahoma, for many years. Papa and Meme retired to Cotter, Arkansas, 25 years ago from Jenks because of his love of fishing and nature.

He fished in tournaments all over the country, mostly with his beloved son, Joe Lee, but his heart always took him back to Lake Guerrero, Mexico. He was always ready with fishing stories to share with everyone he met.

Papa also enjoyed traveling to local festivals with his mobile kitchen, where he sold delicious smoked meats and tamales. He loved fly tying and tamale making. Many people are going to miss his authentic Christmas tamales.

Papa is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Mary Ann Stewart of Bull Shoals, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Shelby, Christina, Melissa, Leigh, Joseph, and Master Tech Sergeant Bonnie Air Force Smith; his sister, Mary (Luis) Sarabia; and six great-grandchildren, Dillon, Jacob, Skyla, Rese, Bella, and Mila, all of Oklahoma.

Joe had many friends, but most of all he loved the staff at Hospice House, where he would go a few days every month for the last two years. He would often say they “treat me like a king.” The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Patty, his home nurse, for all the laughs, for listening to his many stories, and for her strong faith that always comforted Joe and his daughter Mary Ann with every visit. They would also like to thank Katie, Joe’s personal care CNA, who loved making him laugh with her “mohawk” hair designs she would give him.

Papa was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents; his son, Joe Lee; three brothers; and a granddaughter.

A Celebration of Life Mass Service for Joe “Papa” Regalado, 89, will be held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Yellville, Arkansas, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s name to Hospice of the Ozarks, 811 Burnett Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653.