Lieutenant Colonel Dee Vaughn Wresche (U.S. Army, Ret.)

Dee Vaughn Wresche passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated military service, corporate leadership, and a lifelong love for the outdoors and golf.

Born on February 8, 1940, in the City of Industry, California, Dee was the son of the late Lester "Blackie" Jewel Wresche and Gwendolyn Wresche. His parents were hard-working entrepreneurs who built and operated a successful welding business. Growing up under his father's wing, Dee developed a profound appreciation for nature and a sharp eye for training animals. Together, "Blackie" and Dee spent countless hours raising and training fine hunting dogs, forming a tight bond over crisp mornings in the field. Dee was also active in the local Fort Smith Freemasons DeMolays Chapter.

Though born in California, Dee grew up in Arkansas and graduated from Fort Smith Senior High School in 1958. He went on to pursue a bachelor's degree at Arkansas Tech University, where he committed himself to leadership through the Army ROTC program. He later advanced his education by earning a master's degree from Florence State University in 1969.

Dee answered the call to serve his country, embarking on a distinguished career in the United States Army with tours of duty in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, earning two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. He rose through the ranks to retire as a Lieutenant Colonel, earned great respect for his discipline and tactical expertise, and proudly led soldiers both at home and abroad. During his career, Dee was also stationed in Germany across various assignment posts. When off duty, he loved sharing his passion for history and culture, traveling throughout Europe with his family to visit the very locations he had read about during his university days.

Upon transitioning to civilian life, Dee joined Orkin Pest Control. His leadership and work ethic propelled him through the company, where he held various key positions at the branch, regional, and corporate levels throughout the United States. Beyond his corporate success, Dee was deeply passionate about conservation and public policy. He successfully authored impactful legislation at the state level, bridging gaps and improving partnerships between the business and environmental sectors. In his later years, he enjoyed a peaceful retirement in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he could often be found out on the golf course.

Dee was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lester and Gwendolyn Wresche; his wife, Suzann Wresche; and his sister, JoAnn Hopkins.

He is survived by his two devoted children, Christopher Wresche and Jeffery Wresche. He also leaves behind a wide circle of family, friends, and the military and corporate communities that honor his life's work.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Fayetteville National Cemetery, located at 1000 S Lt Col Leroy Pond Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org honoring Dee's lifelong military legacy and passions.