Richard Lee Estes

Richard Lee Estes, age 90, passed away on August 28th, 2024, at Fianna Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born October 19th, 1933, in San Mateo, California, Richard was raised in Van Buren, Arkansas, by his beloved parents Richard Oliver and JohnnieBelle Sullivan-Estes. 

Richard joined the Air Force in 1951, and earned the National Defence Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Occupation  Medal (Germany). He did foreign service for almost 3 years. After a honorable discharge from the Airforce, Richard married the love of his life Barbara Pigg-Estes on October 6th, 1957 at Trinity Baptist Church. They enjoyed nearly sixty years of marriage. In 1960, they moved to Memphis Tennessee, where he started working for the U.S. Postal Service. While living in Memphis, he got his degree in Bachelor of Business Administration in 1968 at Memphis State University. He moved his family back to Fort Smith, Arkansas after 11 years and continued to work for the U.S. Postal Service and retired after 40 years of service. Richard enjoyed watching the razorbacks play football and basketball, whether he watched them on TV or at the games. He loved attending services at Trinity Baptist Church. Richard also enjoyed bowling on leagues a couple times a week, as well as playing golf with the pastor and the choir director from his church.

Richard is survived by two children; Cindy (David) Bernard of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Richard "Rick" Estes of Van Buren, Arkansas; Ten Grandchildren, John Horn of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Larry Horn of Leslie, Arkansas, Ashley Hilburn of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Brent (Whitney) Estes of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Amy (Nick) Martin of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Josh (Alicia) Spencer of Texas, Sarah (Skylar) McGahan of Van Buren, Arkansas, Vikki (Jordan) Osmon of Van Buren, Arkansas, Misti Dawn (Nathan) Nunley of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Destiny (Damian) Friddle of Van Buren, Arkansas; Twenty-Three Great-Grandchildren, One brother Tommy Estes of Rogers, Arkansas; One sister, Dinah (Bobby) McClarty of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and Several Nieces and Nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents, Richard and JohnnieBelle Estes; His beloved wife Barbara Pigg-Estes; and One son, Steve Estes. 

There will be a graveside service, Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at 4:00pm. The service will be held at Gill Cemetery, located 4620 Kibler Road, Van Buren, Arkansas. All services are under the thoughful direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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