David Paul Fogarty

David Paul Fogarty, age 63, of Benton, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 1, 2025. Born on May 26, 1961, in Cleburne, Texas, David was deeply cherished by his family and community, known for his warm spirit and unwavering faith.

David graduated from Texas Baptist Bible College of Arlington, Texas with a Bachelor of Theology degree. He dedicated his professional life to serving others, most recently working as a training director and prearrangement counselor at Cyrus Works and Smith Family Funeral Homes. He was also a former pastor at The Bridge Church in Crowley, Texas, where he lived out his calling with love and devotion.

A truly devoted family man, David shared 23 wonderful years with his loving wife, Kathy Fogarty. Their bond was evident as they nurtured their family and created cherished memories, particularly through their annual surprise of a family vacation gifted to their children each Christmas. He took great joy in spontaneous drives with Kathy, embarking on adventures without any specific plans, simply to revel in the beauty of God’s scenery. He also enjoyed hiking along streams and wandering down dirt roads, delighting in nature.

David’s love for his family extended to his role as a proud grandfather, affectionately known as "PawPaw" to his grandchildren. His heart filled with joy during special "PawPaw" breakfasts and while sharing chocolate chip cookies on countless occasions. He never missed an event his grandchildren participated in, often sporting his "PawPaw" shirts, and he dedicated himself to being a figure of unwavering support and encouragement in their lives.

David's proudest moments included his granddaughter, Abbott, falling asleep in his arms during one of the Amplify Festival volunteer meetings, marrying his best friend, Kathy Jane, and being pastor to his wife, little sister, two brothers, and his mother and father-in-law. David's compassionate spirit and unwavering faith were especially evident in his final days. After experiencing a heart attack, he embraced his time with God and kept a journal of his conversations with the Lord, including, "How long will you keep speaking to me like this? God answered, I’ll keep speaking to you as long as you continue to listen to me", providing a cherished legacy for his family.

David had a passion for gospel music and eagerly anticipated the annual Amplify Festival in Benton, AR. He encouraged everyone he knew to become involved, especially in the prayer tent, where his strength as a prayer warrior shone brightly. David was an avid Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Whataburger fan! He enjoyed listening to old-fashioned, four-part harmony Southern gospel music.

He was a man of profound faith, completely surrendered to the Lord, and he inspired those around him by openly sharing his Christian beliefs. David had a unique gift for seeing the good in everyone, never passing judgment, and always standing in support of friends during their difficult times. He mentored many, helping them recognize their own potential.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Fogarty; his children, Josh Turner and wife Crystal, Kristen Smith and husband Ben, and Teddy Arredondo and wife Kristin; his grandchildren, Jude, Reid, and Abbott Turner, Molly and Parker Smith, and Adilynn, Laila, and Maddox Arredondo; his sisters, Ann Moore and Ruth Sprester; his mother-in-law, Dolores Hunt; and many family members and friends who love David and will miss him always.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly Sr. and Sarah Jeanette (Castleberry) Fogarty; his granddaughter, Briley FAITH Turner; his brothers, Stephen and Kelly Fogarty; and his father-in-law, Harmon Hunt.

Visitation will be held at Holland Chapel Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life and faith beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place later that day at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, David requested donations to Holland Chapel’s Light the Way campaign at Light the Way/Building Fund (select Light the Way/Building Fund under Giving Type).

David's life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and service, and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those he touched. His statement, "Nothing better in life other than knowing the Lord and serving Him than being PawPaw to my grandchildren!!!!!" encapsulated his profound perspective on life.