Leon Peden

Arlis Leon Peden, age 83 of Oak Grove, AR passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Saturday, January 28, 2023. He was a lifelong resident of Oak Grove. He was born September 28, 1939, in Yocum, AR. He was the son of Arlis and Pauline (Smith) Peden.

On June 15, 1963, he married Floretta Shafer. From their union 4 children were born.

Leon was a loving husband and father. He was a truck driver for many years. He loved going to church, driving big rigs, his dogs, gardening and playing golf. Above all, Leon loved his family.

He is survived by his wife Floretta, sons Jeffery Peden and wife Paula of Alpena, AR, Joshua Peden and partner Craig Talley of Oak Grove, AR and daughter Leatta Johnson of Osage, AR; 4 grandchildren, Jessica Withrow and husband Joseph of Mtn. Home, AR, Austin Peden of Oak Grove, AR, Jennifer Peden of Alpena, AR and Jerrod Hutchison and wife Heather of Oak Grove, AR; 6 great grandchildren; 4 sisters, Judy Carpenter of Nashville, AR, Linda Bartlett of Oak Grove, AR, Karen Hopper and husband Gary of Green Forest, AR, and Angie Williams and husband Sam of Green Forest, AR; and brother, Bobby Peden and wife Susan of Boliver, MO.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Ova Peden and JB and Letha Smith, parents Arlis and Pauline Peden, sister Kathy DePriest and brother Donnie Peden, and daughter Luella Peden. 

Celebration of Life service for Leon will be Friday, February 3 at 10:00 AM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel in Green Forest with Pastor William Meadows officiating. Interment will follow at Hale Cemetery in Oak Grove. Visitation will be Thursday, February 2 from 5-7 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel in Green Forest. Online condolences can be made at smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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