Dr. Eldon D. Pence, Jr., 87, of Fort Smith passed away peacefully on the afternoon of July 24, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Virginia Smith Pence; grandson, William Justin Kerr. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Cole Pence; two daughters, Michelle Harris and husband Scot of Fort Smith, Cyndi Glidewell and husband Jerry of Fort Smith; one son, Eldon Dryden Pence, III and wife Laila of Newport Beach, CA; one sister, June Tragesser of Houston, TX; six grandchildren, Zach Wakefield, Cole Wakefield, Cory Allen, Emily Glidewell, Jay Glidewell and Sarah Pence; and three great-grandchildren, Noah Wakefield, Lily Allen and Lucian Allen.
Born November 5, 1930 in Kansas City, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a teen. He attended the University of Arkansas and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Razorback marching band. He transferred to Tulane University where he completed his undergraduate studies and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation from Tulane Medical School, he was a captain in the U.S. Army from 1954-1957 and was stationed in El Paso, Texas and Ancon, Panama where he completed his residency.
In 1960, he moved with his family to Fort Smith and opened a practice with Dr. George Allen. Dr. Pence had one of the largest internal medicine practices in the south. He was a pioneer in cardiac monitoring technology, and enhanced medical services to rural communities. Dr. Pence served on the board of St. Edward (Mercy) hospital and was instrumental in development and construction of their facility.
Pence was a member of the Sebastian County Medical Society, Arkansas State Medical Society, American College of Chest Physicians, and the Noon Civics Club. He and his wife Betty were very supportive of community activities.
His passion for the practice of medicine was appreciated by his patients and recognized by his peers. Beyond his 42 year career as a physician, Pence enjoyed working at his cattle ranch, boating activities at lake, gardening, politics, travel, Razorback games and spending time with family and friends. He will always be remembered for his life of service, commitment and exuberance.
The family expresses gratitude to Sparks hospital, Select Specialty hospital, Methodist Nursing home, and all of his caregivers. A special note of thanks goes to his friend and physician, Dr. Richard Hinkle.
A funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church Sanctuary on Friday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at the U.S. National Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of his life at 1:00 p.m. at Hardscrabble Country Club.
Pallbearers will be Zack Wakefield, Jay Glidewell, Scot Harris, Chris Allen, Jerry Glidewell and Dryden Pence, III.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, 4905 North O St., Fort. Smith, AR 72904 or First Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
