John Paul Western

John "Jack" Paul Western of Fort Smith, Arkansas, age 72, entered his heavenly home on December 1, 2024. He was born to Gilbert and Geraldine Western on October 7, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri. Jack graduated from Sparta High School in Sparta, New Jersey, and later played football for Memphis State University. A man of deep faith, Jack was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith.

On September 1, 1984, Jack married the love of his life, Victoria Western (Peknik), in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Jack was a lifelong professional in concrete quality control, known for his dedication and expertise in his work.

Jack’s life was filled with hobbies and activities that brought joy to him and those around him. He loved bowling, fishing, hunting, and racquetball. He was passionate about skiing—water and snow—and spent countless joyful moments swimming, roller skating, and playing board games, especially dominos, with his cherished children. Jack was also a gifted musician, mastering an assortment of instruments and filling life with the sounds of music. Jack’s infectious sense of humor and ready laugh brought joy to all who knew him. Jack’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Geraldine Western, and his son, Stephen Moravac. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Victoria Western, and his 3 children and 10 grand-children: Son Tony Moravac II of Kansas City; his children Tyler Collins of Blue Springs, Missouri; Teresa Collins of Blue Springs, Missouri; Samantha Moravac of Overland Park, Kansas; Mason Moravac of Overland Park;  daughter Nicolette and Patrick Johnson of Fort Smith, Arkansas; their children: Cory Johnson of Fort Benning Georgia; Cecilia and Jackie Hibbs of Fort Riley, Kansas; Erick Johnson of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Patrick Johnson II of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and JaNessa Johnson of Fort Smith, Arkansas; son Joseph Western of Hackett, Arkansas; his son Vadin Suttles of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and granddaughter Riley Moravac of Lacey, Washington. He is also survived by his siblings, Donald and Barbara Western, Nancy Cooledge of Peoria, Illinois; and Sarah and Ruben Contreras of Naples, Florida. Jack leaves a legacy of love and happiness with these loved ones, along with a large and loving extended family and friends.

A Rosary Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Lewis Funeral Chapel, located at 4817 Kelley Hwy in Fort Smith, AR 72904. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 22 N 13th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

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