Carmen Hall Fleck

Carmen Hall Fleck passed away peacefully on July 5, 2017 in Fort Smith, just four days shy of her 93rd birthday. Born Margaret Carmen Lewis to Earl "Rickey" and Olga Lewis, Carmen was raised in Chicago where she excelled in fine arts and developed a taste for fashion. A talented soprano, she worked as both a stage performer and office secretary before marrying the late Orval V. Hall of Fort Smith, owner of the Alma and Van Buren Canning Companies, in 1956. The vibrant couple enjoyed the fruits of an early retirement, traveling, attending horse races and supporting Arkansas Razorback football until Orval's death in 1998. In 2001 Carmen wed the late Jack D. Fleck of Fort Smith. Fleck, winner of the 1955 U.S. Open, and Carmen enjoyed an active lifestyle, traveling to golf tournaments around the country until the last days of Fleck's life. Carmen was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith and active in the Ruth Circle. She was also a member of P.E.O., Chapter J, as well as the Red Hat Society. A delight to all who knew her, Carmen was the epitome of beauty and grace and devoted to her friends and family. Carmen is survived by one stepdaughter, Mary Epperson of Little Rock; four granddaughters, Marsha Goings (Mark) of Cabot, Karla Hilburn (Tommy) of Little Rock, Lisa Armstrong (Frank) of Melbourne, Fla. and Cindy Baker (Danny) of Flowery Branch, Ga.; eight great-grandchildren, Brittany, John Mark, Holly, Phillip, Peter, Kyle, Tyler and Ellen; and extended family. Carmen is preceded in death by her parents; one sister; her first husband, Orval; second husband, Jack; one stepdaughter, Hellen Hall Watson; and two stepsons by marriage, Edward Watson and Donald Epperson. Funeral Service for Carmen will be held on Monday, July 10 at 2 p.m., with a viewing held prior at 1:30 p.m., in Roebuck Chapel at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. A private burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank Carmen's longtime friend and caregiver, Cherrine Morton, as well as the staff at Fianna Hills Hospice in Forth Smith. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. Online condolences may be sent to.wwwedwardsfuneralhome.com.