Biography:

Fred Francis VanHook, 83, died on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Fred was born on April 10, 1943, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Dorothy Francis and Robert M. VanHook. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood, forming many lifelong friendships and graduating with the El Dorado High School Class of 1961. He graduated from Hendrix College where he continued to thrive, made many more friends, and met Linda Burrow, his beloved wife of 61 years. They married in June 1965 and had two children, Tom and Sarah.

A Certified Public Accountant for nearly 60 years, Fred built four distinct and successful careers through his financial expertise and exceptional leadership. He spent 20 years as managing partner of a Little Rock public accounting firm where he provided tax planning and trusted guidance to his clients. His next 14 years were spent as a partial owner and manager of several small companies. He co-founded American Management Corporation in Conway, served as administrator of Ozark Orthopedics in Fayetteville, and was president of First Arkansas Insurance in Pine Bluff. He concluded his career with 20 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments in Little Rock.

Retirement allowed Fred to more fully embrace the many things he loved most. He cherished his family, his many friends, his church, traveling, reading, and learning. An avid outdoorsman, Fred enjoyed birdwatching, swimming, canoeing, boating, fishing, and hunting. He and Linda especially loved spending time at their cabin on beautiful Spring River. And, boy, did he love dogs - especially his own!

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen VanHook; and his brother Robert VanHook.

Left to cherish their memories with Fred are his beloved wife of 61 years, Linda Burrow VanHook; his son, Robert Thomas “Tom” VanHook and Deanna of Hardy, Arkansas; his daughter, Sarah Hatley and Eric of El Dorado, Arkansas; and his four special grandchildren, Robert VanHook (Annika) of Sherwood, Laura VanHook of North Little Rock, Thomas Hatley of Nashville, Tennessee, and Miriam Hatley of Sewanee, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brother, Kenny VanHook (Dinah) of El Dorado, who was not only his brother, but also his lifelong best friend.

Additionally, Fred leaves behind his special cousin, Virginia Moore Smith of Houston, Texas, as well as a myriad of beloved Burrow in-laws, including Barbara Deuschle (Frank), Tommy Burrow (Meg), and Sally Simpson (Bruce), all of Hot Springs; Holly Farrell (Rob) of Dallas; and Jim Burrow (Emily) of Little Rock. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Fred’s devoted companion and caregiver until the end, Chris Braithwaite. Linda could not have done it without him.

Funeral services, with a reception following, will be held on Thursday, September 10 at 1:30pm at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, where Fred was a longtime member who faithfully served in many capacities. A family burial will be held in the fall at Buford Whapeton Cemetery in Hardy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrix College or Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com