of Clarksville, AR
October 20, 1953 - July 12, 2022
Gerald A. VanDecar I, 68, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in Clarksville. He was born October 20, 1953, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Almond George and Peggy Sue Miller VanDecar. Gerald was deeply devoted to his family and had a special fondness for his grand- and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful loving husband, dad, and poppa. He enjoyed gardening, working on old cars, and camping. He also spent much of his time wood-working and took trips to Jamaica as often as possible.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Almond, and Peggy Sue VanDecar; one granddaughter, Alexis Acton; and one brother, George VanDecar.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; two sons, Gerald Alan VanDecar II and wife Rosa, and Rob Harrison and wife Jeannie; four daughters, Kimberlee Acton and husband Mike, Sheryl VanDecar and husband Eli Davis, Krystal VanDecar Byers and husband David, and Tammie Hoyt and husband Harry; eleven grandchildren, Bethaney Daniel and husband Chris, Jordan Acton and wife Amanda, Kaytlin Coomes and husband Adam, Jonathan Hoyt, Elizabeth Hoyt, Kali Martin, Tyler VanDecar, Mekhi Davis, Samiya Davis, Mary Held and husband Daniel, and Hannah Harrison; three great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and one sister, Linda Kooistra and husband Ted.
Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at his house.
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12 Condolence(s)
Teri Hinkle
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Bonnie, I'm so sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. Mike and I have so many wonderful memories of our group and all the fun times we shared camping together at Winding Creek. You and Gerry will forever be a very special part of our camping memories. God bless you and keep you in His tender care at this difficult time.
Shirley Lowers
Monday, July 18, 2022
I'm sitting here crying for your loss. You two were special friends I never thought of one of you without the other You were both friends and family to Bud and me stay strong and lean on God for strength love you lucky seven
Paul Buchholz
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Bonnie and Family,
We are heartbroken. Gerry was more than a friend. He was a counselor, sounding board willing to help no matter what the job entailed. Rarely am I at a loss for words but right now I am.
I know how much he loved each and everyone of you and how proud he was of you.
We will miss him deeply and will pray for you all.
We have many happy memories of our camping fires, dinners and shenanigans memories we will hold close.to our hearts forever.
Paul, Joan and Chloe Buchholz.
Nancy Longwith
Thursday, July 14, 2022
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We had many great motorcycle and camping memories from his years in Broken Arrow. Last saw him in Branson with Bonnie and their little dog in our RV several years ago and did not realize they were now in Arkansas. Would have loved to reconnect with them before John’s stroke.
Randy Allhands
Thursday, July 14, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. He will be missed his kind words sense of humor and someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and their family.
Don & Marie Panko
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Dear Bonnie,
We are so sorry to hear about Jerry. You and your family are in our prayers. We will not be able to be part of online celebration due to attending a family wedding.
Stephanie Mawhinney
Thursday, July 14, 2022
I am going to miss our witty banter, campfires, coffee and your ever loving presence in my life. I will never come across another Gerald like you.
Richard Miller
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Rest In Peace Cousin
Debra,Ronald,Brandon,Summer,Brandon Jr,Haylie,Brandy,Belle's Tankersley
Thursday, July 14, 2022
I'm sorry for your lost Jerry is going to be missed
Jamie Eschliman
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Sending prayers and comfort. Uncle Gerry was a sweet loving man and will be missed.
Kelly Eckelstafer
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
We are so sad to hear this. We loved Gerry and enjoyed many camping evenings around the campfire. Our love and prayers are sent to Bonnie and the rest of his familyâ¤â¤
Krystal byers
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Rip dad we love you and miss you