Michael Lloyd Lea, 67 of Van Buren passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in a local hospital. He was a scheduling coordinator at Pernod Ricard USA in Fort Smith. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam Era and loved to bass fish, hunt and was a Champion Bull Rider.

Funeral service will be 10:30 at the Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at U.S. National Cemetery with military honors under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.

He is survived by his wife of thirty four years, Beverly (Lollis) Lea of the home; one daughter, Jessica Couch and husband, Matt of Alma; one son, Chris Short and wife, Sarah of Van Buren; his parents, Bill and JoAnn (Richison) Dempsey both of Van Buren; one sister, Lynne Ardemagni and husband, Mark of Van Buren; two brothers, Billy Bob Dempsey and wife, Cindy of Tyler, Texas, Terry Lea and wife, Pam of Fort Smith; three grandchildren, Maddi, Macyn and Baylor Couch; several nieces and nephews.

The family will visit with relatives and friends Sunday, August 4, 2019 from 4-6 PM at Ocker Funeral Home, 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Travis Lea, Trent Lea, Jonathan Dempsey, Lucas Ardemagni, J.R. Young and Paul Dunn.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Ray Richison II and Dale Richardson.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Almost Home Animal Shelter and Rescue 3390 Pointer Trail E, Van Buren, Arkansas, 72956.