ALEXANDER — Dennis VanRiper,
66, of Alexander, Ark., passed away April 5, 2021. He was born September 30, 1954, in Texarkana, Texas, to the late Oscar VanRiper and Angelina Kring Smith.
Dennis was a member of the Iron Horse Motorcycle Church and loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle wherever the road would take him. His favorite place to be was at his “little piece of heaven” in Mountain View, Ark.
Dennis loved taking care of the home place, whether it was manicuring the yard or piddling in his shop with all his toys. Spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping were the highlight of his days. He was a member of the EE Hunting Club and loved all kinds of hunting. Dennis was a great cast iron dutch-oven cook and made many delicious meals his family enjoyed at home and on their camping trips. Dennis always thought about others and would help friends and family at a drop of the hat no matter what was going on with him.
Preceding Dennis in death are his father, Oscar VanRiper; and mother, Angelina Kring Smith and her husband Benjamin P. Smith, Sr.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 34 years, Vickie VanRiper of Alexander, Ark.; two children: Terry Glenn Yarberry and wife Alyssa of Ward, Ark., and Dana Lynn Wessel and husband Keith of Cabot, Ark.,; grandchildren: Kayla Yarberry and John, Zach Yarberry, Shelby Younge and husband Tyler, Michelle Wessel, Hunter Wessel, Loren Yarberry, and Reagan Murrary-Ramey and husband Leslie; great-grandchildren: Dawson Younge, Cohen Younge, Wyatt Reeves, Kynslee Reeves, and Paizley Murrary; three brothers: Billy Smith and wife Sharon of Benton, Ark., Benjamin P. Smith, Jr. of Benton, Ark., and John VanRiper and wife Carla of Arizona; sister, Marilyn VanRiper-Moore and husband Terry; special fur babies who never left his side, Taco and Boo; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends who love Dennis and will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 8, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Ark. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Buddy Holderfield, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 9 at the funeral home. Burial following at Butler Cemetery with Zach Yarberry, Wes Smith, Keith Wessel, Kyle Moore, Jesse Moore, and Hunter Wessel assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Moore and Terry Moore.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.