Byron Don Spillman

Byron Don Spillman, of Van Buren, Ark., passed from this life Sept. 13, 2016 in Fort Smith, Ark., at the age of 84 years old. He was born in Ada, Okla., on Aug. 13, 1932 to N. H. and Thelma Quisenberry Spillman. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lorena Kuykendall; brother, Harold Spillman and his daughter-in-law, Anne Feild Spillman. By trade, he was a carpenter and millwright having worked on many construction projects in the Fort Smith area. He retired from Whirlpool where he worked as a millwright maintaining the machinery. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 37 years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Viet Nam Wars, serving active duty as well as in the reserves. He was a 32nd degree Mason at Belle Pointe Lodge #20 in Fort Smith, Ark. As a member of Heritage United Methodist Church, he enjoyed working for the Crew for Christ and the Food Pantry. He was a driver for the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Transportation Network. Don was a kind and gentle spirit who loved his family, his friends, and all of God's creatures. He always stood ready to serve his fellow man in endeavors big or small. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Titsworth Spillman. His son, Tracy Spillman and wife, Margaret; his daughter, Lisa Zipperman and husband, Neal; five grandchildren, Grace Spillman, Feild Spillman, Jackson Willis, Cate Willis and Graham Willis. One sister, Laura Watson and husband, Don; one brother, Clifton Spillman and three brothers-in-law, Bob Titsworth, Jewel Kuykendall and Don Watson. He was the proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at Heritage United Methodist Church, 1604 E. Pointer Trail, on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the church. There will be a private interment Sept. 19 at Fort Smith National Cemetery with military honors. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Heritage United Methodist Church, Food Pantry, 1604 E. Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 72956 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 8195, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901-8195. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.