John Kukar Jr.

Cletus John Kukar, Jr., 68, of Fort Smith passed away on Feb. 23, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was just 3 years into retirement after 40+ years employed by Arkansas Best. John was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith and a strong supporter of many local organizations. One of his favorite past hobbies was coaching youth baseball.

John was mostly known around town as “Q”. He never met a stranger. He loved people and was blessed with so many friends unless they said or wrote unkind words about the Razorbacks or Yankees. He loved his family, particularly his sister, Jane. He was truly a sports enthusiast, but particularly a loyal supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and New York Yankees.

Q loved to cook (but not clean house) and appreciated fine culinary experiences. However, one of his favorites was a good crawfish boil with “cool ones”. And his passion for pickling almost anything that would pickle.

John will be missed by many, but never forgotten!

John is survived by his sister Jane Kenderdine and husband, Stewart of Chandler, Texas, niece, Emily Kenderdine Hadley and husband, Collin of Fort Worth, Texas, nephew Marshall Kenderdine of Austin, Texas and great nephew and niece Connor Hadley and Madeline Hadley of Fort Worth.

He was predeceased by parents Cletus and Eugenia Kukar of Fort Smith.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be 2:00pm Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

John's family would like thank everyone for their friendship through the years, particularly Scott Harris for effort during this time.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.