Christopher Hempel, 54 of Van Buren passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 in a local hospital. He was the owner/operator of The Starter Shop in Van Buren. He loved his family, work, and fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife Tammy (Warren) Hempel and one sister Christine Hempel.

Funeral services will be 10AM, Friday March 17, 2017 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial following at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

He is survived by his parents Larry and Patricia Hempel of Van Buren; four sons Trevor Hempel and his wife Kari of Bentonville; Derek Hempel and his wife Betsy of Fort Smith; Daron and Travis Hempel both of Van Buren; one sister Robin Nichols of Van Buren; one brother Patrick Hempel and his wife Debbie of Memphis and five grandchildren.

Family will visit with relatives and friends Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 5-7 PM at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren 700 Jefferson Street.

Pallbearers will be Derek, Trevor, Daron, and Travis Hempel, Willie Nichols and Paul Harris.