Douglas J. Bender, 63 of Fort Smith passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 in a local hospital. He was a Sales Representative for forty-three years for Hajoca Corporation in Fort Smith. He was an avid sports fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Dallas Cowboys, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a graduate of Northside High School Class of 1973 and a former trustee of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #208. He attended River Valley Community Church in Fort Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene Bender, Sr. and Marjorie (Hoffman) Bender, one sister Debbie Perkins and one brother Donnie Bender.

Funeral services will be 10AM, Saturday March 31, 2018 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Beverly of the home; one daughter Jill Gregory of Van Buren; one son Ross Powell of Fort Smith; two sisters Carolyn Sellers of Fort Smith and Becky Bailey of Lavaca; one brother Eugene Bender, Jr. of Lavaca; nine grandchildren Preston Warren, Cade Gregory, Hunter Gregory, Payton Powell, Devon Winn, Britton Powell, Kelsey Graham, Ella and Miles Kuykendall; one great-grandchild Finley Ruth.

Family will visit with relatives and friends Friday, March 30, 2018 from 5-7 PM at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren 700 Jefferson Street Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Preston Warren, Cade Gregory, Hunter Gregory, Devon Winn, Britton Powell, Jason Shoffey, Hunter Shoffey, Michael Sellers and Elliott Bailey.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Hajoca Corporation (HJC) and the members of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #208.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Van Buren Football Boosters Club, P.O. Box 7082, Van Buren, Arkansas 72957; or River Valley Community Church 7030 Taylor Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72916.

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