Wayne Bledsoe

On Friday, May 27, 2022, Loren Wayne Bledsoe, of Fort Smith, passed away at the age of 81. Wayne Bledsoe was born March 16, 1941, in Texas, shortly thereafter, his family settled in Fort Smith Arkansas. A lifelong Razorback fan, Wayne was a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history conferred June 04, 1966. Wayne was a beloved history teacher at Northside High School until his retirement, where he was active as the Student Council advisor and involved with the National Education Association.

Wayne had a passion for Fort Smith history, Fort Smith historic items and memorabilia, his beloved pets, antiques and especially in preserving the Belle Grove Historic District, having owned two homes in the historic district. Wayne was a wealth of information regarding the 20 plus Victorian styles of architecture and the original owners and inhabitants of these homes, businesses and churches in the historic district. All this knowledge culminated late in his life, in the writing and publication of two books, Treasures of Fort Smith, by Wayne Bledsoe and Jim Kreuz, John Lehnen, editor, published November 2019 and Stained Glass, Chalk Boards and Cash Registers of Fort Smith, published November 2021, by Wayne Bledsoe, Jim Kreuz and John Lehnen, editor.

Wayne devoted much of his life to the education and promotion of the future restoration, preservation and appreciation of the historic district. Wayne served as past chairman of Belle Grove Historic District, past commissioner and coordinator of the Historic District, past president of the Fort Smith Historic Preservation Society (Clayton House), and past president of the Belle Fort Smith Tour for ten years. Wayne was a life member of the local Historical Society, having served on the board. Wayne is survived by his cousin, Ms. Clara Knight of Fort Smith, and was preceded in death by his parents, and two aunts, Betty Lenington and Maudine Lenington. Wayne leaves behind numerous friends, friends who became “family”, former colleagues and dear neighbors.

A visitation for Wayne will be held Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12 Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901, followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM.