Benny “Bucky” Deaver

Benny “Bucky” Deaver, age 84, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on December 20, 2025.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love for family and community.

He devoted 35 years of his life to education, with 32 years being in the Fort Smith Public Schools. Throughout his career, he served as a math teacher, bus driver, social worker, and the Supervisor of Transportation. His work touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues.

Bucky was what one would consider a jack of all trades. He used his skills to work behind the scenes supporting various charitable organizations. His kindness and willingness to help others shaped the values he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He was a devoted husband for 61 years, loving father of 2 children, proud grandfather to 4, and cherished great-grandfather of 8. His family was always at the center of his life and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survived by his wife, Margaret Deaver of the home; son, Jon (Anita) Deaver of Edmond, OK; daughter, Lucia (Robert) Turner of Fort Smith; grandchildren, Allen (Hannah) Deaver of Fort Smith, Eriq (Natalie) Deaver of Sherwood, Isaac (Jessica) Deaver of Mayflower, Ellie (Pete) McCollough of Van Buren; and 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Barbara Oakes, Al Deaver, David Deaver, Denice Ingle; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Lee and Dolly Ruth Deaver, and his younger brother James Marlin Deaver.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Almost Home Shelter & Rescue (Van Buren), Oak Cliff Baptist Church VBS fund (Fort Smith), or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A visitation will be held on December 28, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Edwards Funeral Home, located at 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901. Benny will be laid to rest during a private family service.