Dean VanRiper

Dean VanRiper, 71, of Fort Smith, passed from this life February 1, 2016 in Fort Smith. He was born February 18, 1944 in Genoa, Arkansas. Dean was a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Education Administration. He was a teacher in the Clarksville, Arkansas School District and was principal on the elementary and high school levels. He also worked in the public relations department at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville. Following his career in education, Dean worked and retired from Baldor Electric in Fort Smith, having held several positions.

He is survived by his wife, Leamae; his children, Anthony VanRiper and his wife Missy of Booneville, Arkansas, Damon VanRiper of Fort Smith and Sarah Pendergrass and her husband Loren of Barling, Arkansas; his brothers and sisters, Steve VanRiper and his wife Sue of Claremore, Oklahoma, Jeanette Hemmer and her husband Danny of Lamar, Arkansas, Sam VanRiper and his wife Dorothy of Lamar, Arkansas, Johnnie Smith and her husband Jack of Rogers, Arkansas and Kathy Rogers and her husband Kenny of Oark, Arkansas, as well as one granddaughter, Kristina VanRiper.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm Friday, February 5, 2016 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to the Sonlife Broadcasting Network, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, PO Box 262550, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70826.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.