Howard Junior Klingensmith, known throughout his life as Junior, passed away peacefully in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on July 10, 2026, at the age of 85. He was a resident of Pyatt, Arkansas.
Junior was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, on Sept. 6, 1940, and grew up in Dunn. Over the course of his life, he made his home in several Missouri communities. He also spent a number of years in Texas, living in Valley Mills and Stephenville, before eventually settling in Pyatt.
Junior’s working life included construction, road work and farming (especially cattle, which led him to enjoy his time in Stephenville, “The Cowboy Capital of the World”), along with many other pursuits. Among his most memorable accomplishments was building, owning and operating a popular motel in Branson, Missouri, for several years.
Junior loved hunting and fishing, but he especially enjoyed people. Warm, outgoing and gifted with conversation, he was always ready to visit and share a story. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Ann, and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Howard Klingensmith and Gladys Virginia Klingensmith.
A private family graveside service will be held in Vanzant, Missouri.
