John C. Fondren, 94, of Fort Smith, AR died on Wed., Feb. 16, 2022. John was born on February 24, 1928 in Huntington, Tennessee to Roy and Mary (House) Fondren. John was a hard worker from picking cotton to various jobs throughout his life. John He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Fondren; five sons, Thomas, Johnny, Bruce, Richard and David Lankford, his brothers, Ed, Kenneth and Bo Fondren and his sisters, Blanche Gist and Georgie Willett. Funeral services are 2:00PM, Tues., Feb. 22, 2022 at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home. Burial will be private. He is survived by his son, Gary Lankford (Karen) of Hackett, AR; a daughter, Judy Duckworth of Ft. Smith; 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.