Reverend Donald Leakey was born in Alma, Arkansas, on March 9th, 1944, and passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Eunice (Swafford) Leakey; two sons Kenny Leakey and Donald Ferrari; two brothers, Frank and Joe Wayne Evans; two sisters, Jackie Dale and Gracie Reinschmiedt.

Funeral services will be 10AM, Friday at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Van Buren. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren. Burial of cremations will be at Dyer Cemetery at a later date.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Shelbia of the home; three daughters Samantha Fillyaw and Angela Leakey both of Van Buren; Laura Leigh Warstler of Fort Smith; three sons Anthony Ferrari of Kibler, Denver Ferrari of Van Buren and Bruce Leakey of Cecil; one sister Flora Ellen Cole of Fort Smith; three brothers Richard Leakey of Dyer and Donnie Evans of Rudy, Ides Evans of Alma; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren.

Donald devoted his life to servicing his community as a pastor. He had a true calling to spread the word of God and dedicated his life to helping others. Everyone around him felt his genuine love and kindness, and he was deeply respected and loved by everyone who knew him.

Family will visit with relatives and friends Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 5-7 PM at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren, 700 Jefferson Street.

www.ockerfuneralhome.com