Mikel Robert Blocker

Mikel Robert Blocker, 78, passed away September 4, 2026, surrounded by his family in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mike lived a life that left its mark on his family, his profession, and the community he served. He was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, police officer, attorney, storyteller, and friend. He is survived by his five children, Eric Blocker and wife Tamitha of Huntsville; Tracy Blocker of Lowell; Andi Acuff and husband Frankie of Elm Springs; Dan Blocker and wife Theresa of Bella Vista; and Mike Blocker of Jasper; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers, Jim Blocker and wife Sherry, and David Blocker and wife Nancy, along with extended family and many friends. Mike was born August 12, 1948, in Salinas, California, to James and Cloteel Blocker, who preceded him in death. After the death of his father when Mike was young, he moved with his mother and brothers to Ozark, Arkansas, to be closer to family. He graduated from Ozark High School in 1966 and soon after joined the United States Air Force. Mike volunteered for service in Vietnam, where he served as an Air Security Policeman with the 821st Combat Security Police Squadron as an Air Force Blue Beret. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. For his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Following his military service, Mike returned to Arkansas and began what would become a lifetime of public service. He first joined the Fort Smith Police Department before moving to Northwest Arkansas and joining the Springdale Police Department in 1972. During his years with the Springdale Police Department, Mike rose through the ranks to lieutenant and served as head of the Criminal Investigation Division. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. His commitment to learning and service did not stop with his work in law enforcement. While serving as a police officer and raising his family, Mike attended the University of Arkansas and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1985. Mike’s legal career allowed him to continue serving the communities of Northwest Arkansas in a different way. He worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney for Washington County, maintained a private law practice, and later served as deputy city attorney for Springdale. He also served as prosecutor or city attorney for neighboring communities, including Elm Springs, Johnson, and Elkins. In 1998, Mike returned to the Springdale Police Department as Chief of Police, fulfilling a lifelong goal. He was deeply proud of the department, the people who served alongside him, and the community he had spent so many years serving. He believed in the importance of public service and wanted his work to leave a positive impact on Springdale and the people who called it home. Mike retired in 2002 after dedicating more than 27 years of service to the City of Springdale. Outside of his professional life, Mike had no shortage of interests. Over the years, he enjoyed coaching baseball, riding his Harley motorcycles, rebuilding and off-roading in Jeeps, farming, and acquiring collections of things that caught his interest. Mike had a strong wit, an incredible memory, and a gift for storytelling. He could recall people, places, conversations, and events from decades earlier with meticulous detail and tell a story in a way that made you feel as though you had been there. He never needed to be the center of attention, yet his presence had a way of drawing people in. Mike loved what he did. For him, his work was never simply a job; it was part of who he was. Service, responsibility, determination, and loyalty were values he demonstrated throughout his life. As proud as he was of his career, he was most proud of his family. In the years after retirement, he made sure they knew it. In his own way, Mike taught them what it meant to take care of one another, to work hard, and to be family. Those lessons, along with his stories, his unmistakable wit, and the life he lived, will remain with his family and be treasured always. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Springdale. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 18, at 9:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Springdale. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Following interment, family and friends are invited to gather for a meal and fellowship at New Life Church in Van Buren, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Springdale Fraternal Order of Police in honor of Mike’s many years of service to the law enforcement community. Cash App: $HusseyFOP65 Venmo: @Springdale-FOP-Lodge-65 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 232 Springdale, AR 72765 Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

Mikel Robert Blocker

August 12, 1948 - September 4, 2026