Mr. Laban Marlar Dyer

Laban M. Dyer, 81, of Van Buren, died Monday, November 23, 2009 in his home. He was born April 25, 1928 in Van Buren, AR. He served in the U.S. Army, was the retired chief of police for the City of Van Buren, a retired civil service employee, and the co-owner and operator of Dyer’s Bait Shop. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school, was a member of the Van Buren Lion’s Club and was on the board of directors for District 6 Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Jodie Dyer, of the home; three daughters, Debbie Hines of Van Buren, AR, Tracy Pape and her husband, Greg of Tulsa, OK; and Patty Hassell and her husband Steve of Alma, AR; one sister, Carlanna Gill and her husband, Joe of Cleveland, TN; 8 grandchildren, Eric Hines, Catherine Hines, Carol Young, Jodie Myers, Rachel Wilson, Brett Pape, Brad Hassell, and Christy Hassell; as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 28, 2009 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Van Buren with burial at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Gary Bowen, Tommy Bowen, Larry Wayne Campbell, Bobby Acord, Terry McClure, Carroll McClure, and Tom Bruce. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Oak Grove Baptist Church Senior Men’s Sunday School Class, Carl Bowen, George Willis, and Stan Ostrander. The family will visit with friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 27, 2009 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR. Memorial contributions may be made to Peachtree Hospice, 4300 Rogers Avenue Suite 33. Fort Smith, AR 72903; Home Instead Senior Care, 3800 Rogers Ave # 1 Fort Smith, AR 72903; or Oak Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 4929 Industrial Park Rd, Van Buren, AR 72956