On April 9, 2014, Thomas Luther Fite fell asleep and woke up in the loving arms of his beloved wife Reba, his son Danny, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tom was born on Jan. 16, 1923 in Paris, AR. He was prece
Tom decided in 2nd grade that Reba Nell was the one for him. They married on her 17th birthday which was also Tom & Reba’s high school graduation day. They were devoted to each other for the rest of their lives. He always called Reba his angel. Tom served in the Navy during WWII and was based in the Philippines and Hawaii. Tom and Reba lived in Fort Smith where they ran Zesto restaurant later called Dairy Zest. They then owned and operated Beverly’s Drive-In, the Fort Smith “hot spot” of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Tom also become part owner in KTCS and had his own TV show, “Uncle Tom’s Place,” where he showed cartoons and did magic. The family moved to Van Buren in 1964, where Tom developed Beverly Hills Estates and River Overlook. Tom had a large impact on his community by organizing and establishing the Cedarville Water Users Associations and bringing city water from the city limits of Van Buren all the way up to Natural Dam. He served as the first board chairman. Tom was a tireless worker who volunteered through his church, teaching in the children’s ministry, cooking for church functions, and going on church building teams to Mexico. He traveled performing Gospel magic in many churches and conventions throughout Arkansas and the entire region. He was a member of Butterfield Assembly of God Church. Tom enjoyed Bible study, travel and spending time with his family and friends. Tom may be gone, but the magic remains.
Funeral services will be 2PM Monday, April 14, 2014 at Goddard Methodist Church in Fort Smith with burial at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith with military honors under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Tom is survived by son Tom Fite and wife Charlene of Van Buren; two daughters Beverly Jaggers and husband Sam of Fort Smith and Debbie Wintory and her husband Ken of Van Buren; 12 grandchildren Tawni Fite, Landon Fite, Lindsey Peck, Elizabeth Keener, Nathan Barnes, Joseph Barnes, Samantha Sayers, Mekel Harman, Ryan Jaggers, Blake Wintory, Karen Willems, and Kim Taylor; 19 Great-Grandchildren.
Family will visit with relatives and friends Sunday, April 13, 2014 from 2-4 P.M. at Ocker Funeral Home 700 Jefferson Street Van Buren, Arkansas
Pallbearers will be grandsons Blake Wintory, Ryan Jaggers, Joseph Barnes, and son-in-laws Sam Jaggers and Ken Wintory.
Honorary Pallbearers will be grandsons-in-law Jim Harmon, Matt Sayers, Nathan Taylor, Jason Willems, Fred Thomas Peck and Brian Williams.
In lieu of flowers please send contributions to AR Alzheimer’s Associations 2408 South 51st Court, Suite F, Fort Smith, AR 72903 or AR Heart Association, 900 W. 2nd St., Little Rock, AR 82201.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Thomas Luther "Tom" Fite , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.