Gary Monroe
FORT SMITH - Gary Allan Monroe passed from this life peacefully on December 21, 2023. Born October 18, 1954, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Monty and Pauline Monroe, he was 69 years old. He was preceded in death by his father Monty Monroe and sister Paula Jeremiah. Gary is survived by his mother Pauline Monroe, his son, Derek Sean Monroe and wife Sarah Rae Monroe of Fort Smith, AR, and daughter Andrea Diane Crowder and husband Gary Don Crowder also of Fort Smith, AR. Gary had six grandchildren: granddaughters Regan Crowder, Jessica Monroe, Emily Monroe, Whitney Monroe, Peyton Crowder, and his grandson Brennan Monroe.
Gary was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church in Barling, AR, where he served on many committees and was a past Trustee. He retired from the Oil and Gas Industry as a Landman for over 40 years. He was owner and President of Gary A. Monroe and Associates Petroleum Land Services, Inc. with multiple offices throughout the country. He was a past member of the Rotary Club of Fort Smith serving the community that he loved so much. Gary touched many lives with his kindness and generosity during his time here on Earth and will be remembered fondly. Affectionately known by many as “Buddha”, “Gaza” and “Raoul the Pool Boy”, Gary sure was a character, always smiling, never having a bad day, and willing to help anyone. He was larger than life in many ways. An avid traveler, he was able to see the world and instill that “wanderlust” in his children and grandchildren. A veteran, Gary enlisted in the Navy after high school, and after his Honorable Discharge continued serving his country proudly in the Naval Reserve for many years. Gary was a graduate of Northside High School and the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 5-7 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 10 AM at Lewis Funeral Chapel, 4817 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, AR 72904.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, AR.