John Peter Lenehan's Obituary
John Peter Lenehan, Jr., age 93, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed peacefully on October 31, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on September 9, 1931 in Batesville, Arkansas. John graduated from Batesville High School where he lettered in football, and from Arkansas College with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Bible Studies. John was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, serving in France. He retired after a long career with GMAC. John was known for his good nature, positive outlook, and razor-sharp memory. Through his final days, he shared stories of his family history, life experiences, and travels with family and friends with amazing detail.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Peter Lenehan, Sr., and Maud Latimer Lenehan; wife of 25 years, Marjorie Stuart Lenehan and wife of 39 years, Charlotte Lenehan; and three sisters, Katherine Stokes, Polly Bell, and Montine Campbell.
John is survived by two sisters, Tommie Lou Kelley of Heber Springs and Betty Jo Hall of Turner; his two children, John David Lenehan (Sara) of Little Rock; and Nancy Kirby (Jeff) of Keller, Texas; three stepchildren, Jason Vanet of Fayetteville, Lisa Vanet Porter (Anthony) of Johnson, and Jeffrey Vanet (Nooty) of Gentry; eight grandchildren, Lee Lenehan, John Lenehan (Robert), Michael Lenehan (Jessica), Meagan Hermann (Daniel), Carolyn Harwood (Stan), Catherine Meredith (Spenser), Michelle Kirby, Matthew Kirby (Aria); three step-grandchildren, Jason Vanet, Jr. (Caitlin), Kyle Vanet, and Lea Robertson; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Circle of Life Earlene Howard Hospice Home, 901 Jones Road Springdale, AR 72762 for the care and compassion they provided to John and the family in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to www.giftstocircle.org. A memorial service will be held at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville on Friday, November 22 at 11:00 AM. Please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com for additional information or to leave a tribute.
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