After a life of love and quiet grace, John Walter Fowlkes of Benton, AR has passed.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
We measure lives in love, not minutes.
John Walter Fowlkes, known by so many as “Mr. Wonderful” and Papaw passed away on April 29, 2026. He leaves behind a life full of laughter, fun, friendship, kindness, and a deep love for the people around him. John was born on June 12, 1945, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, to Frank A. Fowlkes, Sr. and Johnnie Emma (Ramsey) Fowlkes, the last of five children.John spent over 40 years working at NAPA Auto Parts, where he built not just a career, but lifelong friendships. He was known for working hard, treating people right, and his mischievous ways. After retiring at 65, he didn’t slow down much—he spent many years volunteering in the kitchen at Capital City Christian Academy where he developed a passion for serving others which lead a season of feeding and helping the homeless.If you knew John, you knew his laugh. It was big, contagious, and could brighten just about any room. He loved to joke, have fun, and keep things light, which is exactly how he earned his self-proclaimed title of “Mr. Wonderful.” It wasn’t just a name—it was who he was. He had a genuine way of caring for people that made everyone feel special. From hosting Connect Nights in his home filled with Bible studies and laughter to hosting get togethers at whatever campsite he and Sue were staying at he was always the life of the party.John and his wife Sue shared 41 wonderful years together. They loved traveling and camping, making memories in places like Colorado, Utah, and Michigan, and closer to home at Petit Jean, Maumelle Park, and Heber Springs. Those trips meant a lot to them and gave them time to enjoy life side by side. Everything they did they did together from traveling to getting baptized to serving to reading their Bibles to loving their family.His faith was an important part of his life, especially in his later years. As a member of Word Aflame Church in Little Rock for over 20 years, John grew closer to the Lord and lived out his faith in a real and meaningful way. His life is a reminder that it’s never too late to grow and draw closer to God.John also served his country in the Army National Guard, something he was proud of and carried with him throughout his life.He is survived by his wife Sue; daughter Alana Kaucher and her husband John; grandchildren Amanda Lepper (Chris), Courtney Krone (Tyler), Olivia Bradshaw, Nick Kaucher (Carli), and Sam Kaucher (Whitney); and great-grandchildren Boston and Charlotte Lepper, Zoey and Emberlyn Krone, Oliver and Elliott Bradshaw, Aiden Kaucher, and Luke and Jacob Kaucher. His sisters Ruth Ann Ludden, Lisa Toney, and sister-in-law Cathy Goss. John also leaves behind many other family members.John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank A. Fowlkes, Sr. and Johnnie Emma (Ramsey) Fowlkes; siblings: Polly Toliver, Nancy Mack, Frankie Fowlkes, and Robert Fowlkes; his son Tommy Fowlkes; as well as Tommy and Johnnie DuPriest, who lovingly raised him from the age of ten.Visitation will be held on May 9, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Word Aflame Church, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to come celebrate a life that meant so much to so many.John will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his faith, and the way he made people feel. He truly was “Mr. Wonderful,” and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
