Derin Caplena, 82, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, entered Heaven on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at his home. He was born July 25,1939 in the community of Hillemann near McCrory, Arkansas, to Fred and Ruth James Caplena. He was the loving husband of Rhonda Dickey Caplena for 47 years.
Derin worked in public education for 33 years in Missouri and Arkansas. He taught English and was a guidance counselor. He served in many school districts throughout his career with 18 years as the Greenwood High School guidance counselor. After retiring, he and Rhonda moved to Bella Vista to live near family.
He was a graduate of Brinkley High School, Hendrix College with a B.A. in English, and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Memphis State University. Derin was active in Gideon's International and the Lions Club, and after retirement volunteered to teach in a literacy program for English language learners.
Derin was a member of First Baptist Church, Greenwood for 23 years, where he taught children's Sunday school class and served as a greeter for many years. After retirement, he also taught children's Sunday school for five years at First Baptist Church, Rogers.
He enjoyed traveling with his family. He and Rhonda visited 47 states in the U.S. and had the opportunity to travel to many destinations including Europe, Central America, the San Juan Islands, and Nova Scotia. He also loved watching sports and attending games, especially when his sons and grandchildren were playing. He truly cherished reading books and spending time with his grandchildren. Derin played basketball in high school, where he was named All District at Brinkley High School for two seasons. Derin also enjoyed many different types of music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruth Caplena, and siblings, Minola Kennedy and Dale Caplena. Derin is survived by his wife, Rhonda of Bella Vista, sons, Aaron (Laura) of Farmington, AR, Brandon of Bentonville, AR and Timothy (Denise) of Pennington, NJ. He is survived by six grandchildren, Adelei, Dayson, Evan, Brynlee, Kyle and Kevin Caplena, and his mother-in-law, Alice Dickey of Bella Vista, AR.
A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Greenwood, AR (19 N. Adair St.) under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Interment will be at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood. A reception at the church will be held for family and friends following the service.
