Derek Leaver

Derek John Leaver (70) of Benton, AR went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 18, 2023.  His wife of 42 years was by his side.  He was born in London England on November 16, 1952, to the late Ted and Iris Leaver.

Derek was a meat cutter and avid soccer fan in London before moving to the United States, where he continued to work as a meat cutter until he retired.

Derek was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, where he was a member of the Piecemakers Sunday School Class, taught kindergarten Sunday School, volunteered with Vacation Bible School, Habitat for Humanity, spent countless hours cooking Wednesday night meals and coordinating events such Super Bowl subs and chili cook offs.

He was a fun loving and kind always telling funny jokes and talking about his family. In his later years he became Sparky to his grand babies, a role he cherished deeply.

Derek enjoyed hunting, fishing, family game nights, working in his yard, cooking, building things (he called tinkering), Razorback & Bauxite Miner sports (he was on the “chain gang” 30+ years), soccer and spending time with his family and friends. He had the heart of a servant and served so many people with his cooking. He was always preparing meals for friends and families to celebrate births, parties, weddings, or comforting those who had undergone surgery or lost loved ones.

Derek is preceded in death by his father, Ted Leaver; mother, Iris Leaver; father-in-law, Boyd Allinson; mother-in-law, Mary Jane Allinson; sisters, Pauline and Hazel; and cousin, Bernard Graham.

Derek is survived by his wife, Gay Leaver of Benton; daughters: Allison Hall (David) of Morrilton and Chelsea Pacheco (Adrian) of Little Rock; grandchildren: Olivia Hopper, Nora Hopper, Sam Hall, Lila Hall, and Jillian Pacheco; brothers, Gordon Leaver and Collin Leaver of Ipswich, England; sister, Mandy Leaver of London, England; cousin, Christine Graham of London, England; brothers-in-law: Steve Allinson (Ginger) and David Allinson (Paula) both of Benton, AR; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Benton, Arkansas on Saturday June 24, 2023 at 10am.  Visitation will be held on Saturday June 24, 2023 at 9am.   Burial will occur after the service at New Friendship Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas.

The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their guidance and support over the past few weeks. They truly are gifts from God in the work they do on a daily basis. To Cheryl, RN, Krista, Tina and Carly, you brought us such joy and comfort during such a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers Derek requested a memorial be made to either the Shaw Volunteer Fire Department or the Habitat for Humanity Build Project.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.