Richard Lynn Gilstrap

Richard Lynn Gilstrap, 68, of Van Buren, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, master carpenter, and pastor, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 4, 1956 in Mulberry to the late Ralph and Sarah (Gentry) Gilstrap. He proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, embodying strength, courage, and resilience.

Richard was a man of incredible talent and dedication. As a master carpenter and builder, he was a former president of the Greater Home Builders Association of Fort Smith and an award-winning builder. He was the founder and owner/operator of Gilstrap Custom Homes, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in craftsmanship.

Richard was also a devoted servant of God, serving as an evangelist and pastor who led thousands to Christ. In 2009, he founded Rudy Community Church, where he served faithfully. He also held the position of current president of Mount McCurry Cemetery.

Richard was a man who loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them hiking, kayaking, exploring caves, chasing waterfalls, and going to the lake. He was a mentor, a rock, and the backbone of his family. Known for his unwavering work ethic, he was one of the hardest-working men anyone could know.

Crawford County has lost a good man, a friend to many, and a pillar of the community. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the countless lives he touched.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Imogene, Ruby, Lonnie, and Ralph, Jr.; and a daughter-in-law, Jolene.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 23 years, Kaye Gilstrap of the home; his children, Amy and Gary of Conway, Brunchel and Brandy of Alma, Brett and Melanie of Van Buren, Jeremy and Tatira of Van Buren, Nick and Heather of Oklahoma City, Eric of Van Buren, and Rachel and TJ of the home; and his siblings, Doyle, Robert, Marianne, Linda, and Hope. He was also blessed with twenty-three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren with two great-grandchildren on the way.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Butterfield Church in Van Buren with interment to follow at Mount McCurry Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Rudy Community Church, P.O. Box 206, Rudy, AR 72952.