Bert "Pete" McKown

Bert “Pete” McKown, 80, of Van Buren, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 in Fort Smith. He was born January 26, 1946 in Alma to the late Bert and Reba (Lee) McKown. He was retired from both the U.S. Navy and Whirlpool.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McKown; a son, Michael McKown; two sisters, Jeanie Gentry and Joyce Jordan; and a brother, Kenneth McKown.

He is survived by a daughter, Cindy McKown of the home; four sons, Bert McKown Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri, Clay McKown and Eric McKown both of Van Buren, and Dustin McKown of Cabot; a sister, Teressa Burnett of Spiro; ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Newberry Cemetery in Alma, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Landon Love, Andrew McKown, Michael McKown, Ryan McKown, Jonathan Treat, Jenna McKown, and Angel Treat.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.