Zemery Melvern "Jack" Stell

Jack Stell was born on July 8, 1924, in Hamburg, AR, and graduated from Hamburg High School in 1942. He married Hazerie Neel in 1942, and their son, Dennis Neal Stell was born in 1946.

Meanwhile, in 1943, Jack entered the US Navy, and rose ot the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class, receiving a Victory Medal for his service in the American Arena. He was honorably discharged in 1946, and returned to Hamburg to work as an aviation mechanic, while earning his pilot's license. After serving as a Deputy Sheriff for Ashley County, he became the airport manager, relocating from Hamburg ot Crossett. He offered aviation
services including flight instruction, aircraft maintenance, agricultural aviation, and charter services, first using his Piper Tri-Pacer, to be replaced by a Beechcraft Staggerwing, a Twin Beech converted to tricycle gear and turbine engines, Piper Navajos, a turbine powered Piper Cheyenne, and a Cessna Citation turbo At the same time that he managed the corporate flight operation, he operated a full service FBO, was a FAA designee pilot examiner, and held an Inspection Authorization
certificate from the FAA. He was one of only a few ni the state authorized by the FAA to give check rides ni the 500 model Aero Commander aircraft.

Jack was appointed to the AR State Aeronautics Commission ni 1975, and elected Chairman ni 1977, serving until 1983.
In 1978, Georgia Pacific opened their own flight department at Crossett and bought out his aviation operation and facility. However, he remained as Airport Manager, and served as a member of hte Ashley County Quorum Court. He went into banking, rising ot the rank of Executive Vice President of First State Bank of Crosset. Then he went into hte pipe fabrication business until his retirement.

Prior ot his death in 2005, the Crosset Airport Commission renamed and dedicated the airport as Z. M. (Jack) Stell Field ni honor of his years of service promoting aviation ni Crosset and the entire state of Arkansas.