Leo Frank Hovenkamp JR.

Leo Frank Hovenkamp Jr., of Conway, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Leo was born on June 4, 1941, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Leo and Virginia Hovenkamp, who preceded him in death

He later attended Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was part of a significant and historic time in Arkansas history. In 1960, Leo was among the students who experienced the integration of Central High School, a defining moment in the history of Little Rock and the nation.

On July 1, 1960, Leo married the love of his life, Carolyn Jean Campbell. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, adventure, and memories that would span more than six decades. Carolyn preceded Leo in death in August 2023, but the love they shared and the family they created remained at the heart of Leo's life.

Leo built a long and successful career with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, where he worked for 30 years as the Sales Manager for the Midwest Central region of the United States, based out of Chicago, Illinois. His dedication and hard work led to a promotion and a relocation of the family to Olathe, Kansas, where he continued his career with Wrigley until his retirement.

Upon retirement, Leo and Carolyn returned to Arkansas and made their home in Conway, choosing to be closer to their family. Family was always an important part of their lives, and some of Leo and Carolyn's happiest memories were made together with family and friends enjoying the outdoors at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. The lake provided a special place for them to relax, laugh, make memories, and spend precious time with the people they loved.

Leo is survived by his two daughters:

• Cheryl Leonette Hovenkamp Waldmer (Bruce) of Conway, Arkansas
• Carol Ann Hovenkamp Grow of Conway, Arkansas

He was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren:

• Brian Leo Waldmer of Conway, Arkansas
• Jessica Ann Waldmer Wiseman (Kyle) of Conway, Arkansas
• Christy Jean Waldmer Dykstra (Michael) of Romance, Arkansas

Leo's legacy continues through his six great-grandchildren: Christina, Tristan, Kiana, Kadence, Peyton, and Enoch.

Leo is also survived by several nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart. Leo had a remarkable way of making every one of them feel loved, valued, and important. Somehow, each niece and nephew felt like they were his favorite—and perhaps, in Leo's heart, they truly were. His love for his extended family was genuine and unconditional, and the memories they shared with him will be treasured forever.

Leo's life was defined by many things—a remarkable place in history, a 30-year career, a lifelong marriage, and the many places he called home—but perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the family he and Carolyn created together.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved uncle, and cherished friend. His stories, his experiences, his sense of family, and his ability to make the people around him feel loved will continue to live on through the generations.

Although Carolyn went before him, Leo's passing reunites them once again, together after a lifetime of love and memories.

Leo leaves behind a family who will miss his presence deeply, but who will carry his memory forward in every story told, every family gathering, and every precious memory of the life they shared.

Rest peacefully, Leo. Your journey is complete, but your story lives on through the family you loved and the lives you touched. You made each of us feel special, as though we were your favorite. Now you are reunited with the woman you loved for a lifetime. You are deeply loved, forever missed, and will never be forgotten.