Barney Hector

Barney Blaine Hector, 69, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed away Monday, November 30, 2015, in Little Rock. Barney was a musician, artist, husband, father, and friend. He was born October 28, 1946, in San Diego, California, to Melvin G. and Hattie Hector. He grew up in Glendora, California, and later made his home in Fort Smith, where he owned Landmark Signs in downtown Fort Smith and was known for his work with neon. Barney served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Barney loved music and was a talented musician, playing guitar in several bands over the years, and writing, recording, and performing songs, some of which were included on movie soundtracks. He saw beauty and potential all around him and was a gifted artist in a multitude of media, from paint on canvas to ink on paper, metalwork, sculptures incorporating neon, and driftwood, just to name a few.

Barney is survived by his wife Patty, whom he married in 2003, his children: Kim Parkhurst and husband Gary, Kristen Lawrence and husband Nate, Erin Sanchez and husband Armando, and Abel Hector; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His son Jordan Hector predeceased him in 2014. He is also survived by his siblings: Dinky Hector, Larry Hector, Elaine Wachendorf, and Marsha Brickey, and their families.

A celebration of Barney's life will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Grace Church of Alma, 330 Rudy Road, Alma, Arkansas. Barney's friends and family are invited to come see some of his art, hear some of his music, and share their thoughts and memories about Barney.

Flowers are welcome. Contributions may be sent to the Buddy Smith Home for military veterans via The Next Step Homeless Services, www.thenextstepfs.org, mail contributions to: 123 North Sixth St, Suite 200, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.ArkansasCremation.com.

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