Nolen Edward Renfrow, 83, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 30, 2025. Born on December 25, 1942, to Nolen and Juanita (Eddy) Renfrow in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was the oldest of two sons.
Ed was raised in Charleston, Arkansas, where he played basketball and ran track in high school. During his senior year, he won the state championship in the high hurdles with the second-fastest time ever recorded in Arkansas by a high school athlete at that time.
He went on to run track at the University of Arkansas. In 1964, he was named by Track and Field News as one of the top 10 collegiate high hurdlers in the United States. He later qualified for the NCAA National Championships, where he finished in seventh place.
Ed married Jane (Reagan) Renfrow on June 14, 1964. Their first child, Mindy, was born in June 1966 while he was coaching at Woodland Junior High. Their second child, Lori, was born in September 1968 in Joplin while he was coaching at Neosho High School.
In 1971, at the age of 26, he was offered the University of Arkansas head men’s track coaching position. He coached the men’s team until 1977 and then became the first coach of the University of Arkansas women’s track and field program.
Ed earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Arkansas. In 1981, he accepted a position as professor and cross-country coach at John Brown University. He retired from JBU in 2004 and was inducted into the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ed was deeply involved in his church and community. As a church deacon, he faithfully served those entrusted to his care. He also served on several boards throughout his career, including the Arkansas Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; Siloam Springs Parks and Recreation; the Manna Center; Genesis House; and others. At age 40, he earned his pilot’s license. He loved to travel and visited numerous countries during summer breaks and after retirement. He was also an avid lover of nature and coordinated many hiking and camping trips throughout the years.
Ed is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane; daughters Mindy (Michael) and Lori (Stephen); grandchildren Jordan (Connor), Joshua (Katie), Olivia (Ben), and Ella; and great-grandchildren Alister and Nolan. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip (Nancy); two nephews and one niece; and three great-nephews and four great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolen and Juanita Renfrow.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Church on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Nate O’Brien officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.