George O. Jensen

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the death of George Orville Jensen, who passed away on October 13, 2024 in Fort Smith at the age of 92. George was born in Westhope, North Dakota on October 21, 1931.

He is survived by his wife Etta, son: Robert Jensen, grandchildren: Rebecca Jensen & Kendra, Nathan Smith & Keanna, Brandon Smith & Emely, Natalie McCormick & Matt, Joe Harrison & Amy and daughter in law: LeAnn Jensen. He is also survived by many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son: Alan Jensen, brother: Donald Jensen, sisters: Pearl Gross, Louise Lesmann and Petrine Vigen and his parents: Emma Jensen & George Valdimor Jensen

George had a life that was one of service, compassion, and faith. He was drafted into the Army which brought him down to Fort Chaffee which is where he would meet the love of his life, Etta Irene Barling. What began as a blind date set up by friends, led to 70 years of unwavering love for one another. He served overseas during the Korean War but that did not diminish their spark for one another. After he returned safely home, they were married and they moved to Montana where they welcomed their first child, Alan. After a few years of the harsh Montana winters, they came back to Fort Smith. George began working at Midwest Lumber as a salesman and bookkeeper with his father-in-law while attending college at Westark. They were blessed with another son, Robert.

George spent many years at Midwest Lumber and gained a lot of knowledge of carpentry, wood and craftsmanship. It did not take long for his sons and their cousins to be seen running around the lumber yard kicking up saw dust with bursts of laughter in between. It also did not take long for those sons to be working there and making deliveries once they were old enough. His family meant everything to him and Sundays were always set aside for church and family lunch together and that still holds true to this day.

George had a faith that was full of positivity and he held onto that till the very end. He was very involved with their church, Wesley United Methodist Church. He was a treasurer of the church for many years and but that was not all that he did. In his younger years, he could be seen mowing the church grounds and as the grandkids got older, they were right beside him helping. George would also take his enthusiasm and put it into what was called Shoal Creek Camp, now Shoal Creek Camp and Retreat. Every Wednesday he would load up his Chevy S-10 truck with tools and materials for a "day at camp" with his buddy Paul Kinder. George and his buddies went on to make improvements and repairs for the Methodist Camp. Striped overalls were his trademark accompanied by a pencil and always a few small hand tools. He always enjoyed the scenic drive to Shoal Creek that brought him joy.

He was also a man of comradery and that included the United Methodist Men's Group. He was known for be-friending new church members and welcoming them to the congregation and the Men's Group. The group later formed a dart league that encompassed area churches men's group. Darts and laughter were something that always lifted him up. He was also known to have darts set up in his garage and one might also catch his young granddaughter at the time throwing those large wooden darts with her grandfather.As he got up in his years, he could be seen sitting on the front porch with Etta rocking side by side. He loved growing his vegetable garden and enjoyed each harvest. Spending time with the family and hearing about their day always brought a bright smile to his face. He was still sharp as could be and was known to still work on the computer, even if it was mostly playing his card game.

George was a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle and a friend that will be missed by many.

Pallbearers are Nathan Smith, Brandon Smith, Paul Barling, Phil Barling, Dylan O'Hara, and Gavin O'Hara. Honorary pallbearers are Harley Strang, JB Turner, Walt Swearingen, Justin Cates, Doug Kelley, and Steve Christian.

Memorials can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 2200 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, AR and Shoal Creek Camp and Retreat, 571 Methodist Youth Camp Road, New Blaine, AR.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N. 12th Street, Ft. Smith. Funeral Service will be 1:00 pm Friday, October 18, 2024 at Wesley United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park. The funeral service will be Livestream on the church’s Facebook page or go to www.wesleyumcfs.org.