Lanny Reukauf Tinker

Lanny Reukauf Tinker October 7, 1949 – June 25, 2026 Lanny “Sugar Bear” Reukauf Tinker, 76, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation. He was born on October 7, 1949, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to the late Reukauf and Gladys Tinker. Lanny was a lifelong resident of Hoxie, Arkansas, where he faithfully served and invested in his community for decades. In December 2024, he moved to Jonesboro to be closer to his family during his final years. In his early years, Lanny worked in farming, an experience that inspired him to earn a degree in Horticulture from Arkansas State University. As a student at Hoxie High School, he was an outstanding athlete and held the all-time scoring record for the Hoxie Mustangs basketball team for many years. In addition to his love of sports, he was actively involved in the Thespian Club and FFA. Following college, Lanny became a dedicated entrepreneur, public servant, and respected community leader. He devoted 33 years of service to Arkansas State University as Assistant Director of Facilities Management, where he was recognized as one of the University's "100 Most Distinguished Staff" members during the A-State Centennial Celebration. Throughout his life, Lanny successfully owned and operated several local businesses, including Tinker's Nursery and Greenhouses, Hometown Video and Pizza, and Hometown Behavioral Health. After retiring from Arkansas State University, he continued his lifelong commitment to public service by serving two terms as Mayor of Hoxie. Lanny's dedication to his community extended far beyond his career. He served on the Hoxie Public School Board, was a member of the Hoxie Jaycees, coached pee-wee basketball, held securities and insurance licenses, became a Certified Toastmaster, and served as District Lay Speaker. A devoted follower of Christ, he was an active member of Hoxie United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Board and taught Sunday School. While Lanny's accomplishments were many, nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved, whether gathered around the dinner table, cheering on his grandchildren at their sports games, sharing stories and laughter, or taking family vacations together. He believed life's greatest blessings were found in the memories made with family, and he worked hard to ensure those moments were filled with love, encouragement, and joy. His steady presence, generous heart, and unwavering devotion created a legacy that will live on through the lives of those he loved most. Lanny is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lida Welch Tinker; his daughters, Melanie Davis (Phil) and Laura Prondzinski (Lee); his grandchildren, Jordan Volner, Madeleine Poush (Dylan), Emma Prondzinski, Chloe Prondzinski, and Caden Prondzinski, all of Jonesboro; his sister, Mitzi Tinker of Jonesboro; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and special friend, Matthew Blansett. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m. at Bryan Funeral Home, with Reverend Bob Hager and Reverend Glenn Hicks officiating, along with speaker, Jordan Volner. Pall bearers will be Matthew Blansett, Zeke Pearson, Rusty Mike Smith, Randy Worlow, Don Neldon, and Billy Jones Sr. Honorary pall bearers will be Randy Wallace, Doug Mathis, Richard Tinker, and Terrell Downing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hoxie United Methodist Church or to the Lanny Tinker Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hoxie High School. Lanny will be remembered for his servant's heart, steadfast faith, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering love for his family and community. His legacy of service, kindness, and leadership will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Lanny Reukauf Tinker

October 7, 1949 - June 25, 2026