Don Robert Thompson passed away on November 21st, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 78 after complications following a planned heart procedure on October 26th. Don is survived by his wife of 51 years, Grace E Thompson, and his brother Jack T. Thompson of Arkadelphia. He is also survived by his son, Robert T. "Robbie" Thompson, his wife Annie and their children, Kaylee Baker of Lawrence, Kansas, Noah Thompson, and Sawyer Thompson of Derby, Kansas. He is also survived by his daughter Renee B. Morris, her husband Richard A. Morris, IV and their daughters Sallie and Vivian Morris of Springdale, AR.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Robert T. "Hank" Thompson and Sarah J. Thompson of Arkadelphia, AR as well as his grandson Richard A. Morris, V of Fayetteville, AR.

Don was born on November 13 th 1945 in Little Rock to Hank and Sarah Thompson. Growing up in Arkadelphia, Don Robert graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1963 and then from Henderson State University in 1968 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. At Henderson, Don Robert went through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, earning a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. After graduation, Don completed the Army's helicopter training program at Ft Wolters, Mineral Wells, Texas before a combat tour, flying the UH-1D "Huey", with the 229 th Combat Aviation Battalion, Tay Ninh, South Vietnam in 1969-1970. During his service in the Army, Don married Grace, in 1972 who he faithfully loved and supported. Don and Grace moved to Arkadelphia in 1980 where they joined Don's classmate and longtime friend, Ronnie Echols in establishing Echols and Thompson certified public accounting firm, a business rooted in integrity, hard work, and community  commitment for over 40 years.

Don and Grace raised two children, Robbie and Renee, who they taught to serve God, to treat others with respect, and to take pride in their work. He lived out Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Don cared deeply for those around him, the kids who came around his Hardin Street home and those he developed connections with through his life experiences. He loved his children dearly, doing whatever necessary to support his wife, children and their families. Don loved being in the outdoors, sharing in the beauty of God's creation. He loved float fishing the rivers of Arkansas  and he loved flying, never taking enough time to do so. He was a committed member of the FUMC's Chancel Choir for over thirty years, served on the Arkadelphia City Board of Directors for over 10 years, and was a committed volunteer of the Arkadelphia Human Development Council for over 20 years.

A visitation is scheduled for November 24th, 5:00-7:00 PM, at First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia.

F uneral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on November 25th at First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia, with Rev Zeke Allen officiating the service. There will be a graveside burial immediately following the funeral at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia with Military Honors . All are  welcome to attend and celebrate Don Robert's life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Clark County Humane Society, Arkadelphia Human Development Center, or the First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia. The family would like to thank dear friends and family for all of their prayers, love, and care during this time.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.