Donny Ray Owens

Donny Ray Owens of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life peacefully with his loving family by his side on January 31st, 2020, at the age of 79.

Don was born on July 16th, 1940, to his parents Buster and Lela (Gibson) Owens. After high school, Don enlisted in the US Navy and served his country for 4 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Kay Aynes, on November 15th, 1959.They have been married for 60 years and enjoyed their life together raising their sons,and welcoming their grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the Owens Family throughout the years.

In his younger years, you would find Don working hard as a mechanic at the Harris Motor Company in Waldron, several years later he opened his own automotive repair shop in Crumptown, and later went to work as a heavy equipment technician in numerous coal mine sites in Oklahoma. He enjoyed raising cattle and loved being a cowboy. Don, Kay and the boys were on the Waldron Quadrille Team (which is square-dancing on horseback) for many years-where Don served as President of the Quadrille. After the boys were grown, Don and Kay built a poultry farm on Sweet Gum Lane. It was there they worked together every day in their chicken houses and made an impressive team.

After selling the farm and moving to town, Don and Kay found adventures and happiness riding their 4-wheelers in the mountains spending countless hours enjoying beautiful scenery, flowers and wildlife together.

Don had a heart for little children and the elderly. He never met a stranger and truly enjoyed visiting and getting to know people he encountered on a day to day basis. In his later years, he could be found on the “hill” at the Senior Citizens Center (where he served as President) playing cards with his friends or dancing to the live music performed on Saturday nights.

Most people knew Don as a public servant and a shining citizen of Waldron. He served many years as a City Council Member and later was elected the Mayor of Waldron.

Some of Don's interests included gardening, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks and spending time with his family. He was at his happiest when surrounded by his family. Don (Dad & Pa) was so proud of his sons and grandkids. He taught them the value of hard work and he was a strong example to them all on being a good and kind person. He often spoke of how proud he was of his family and that his time with them was precious. There is no doubt about it, Don Owens led a very full and happy life.

Don gave his life to the Lord and was a faithful member of Haw Creek Baptist Church.

Don leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Kay of the home. Their two sons; Danny Owens and wife, Michelle of Paris, Arkansas, and Kirk Owens and wife, Vera of Mansfield, Arkansas. Pa will forever be in the hearts and memories of his five grandchildren: Jerad Owens, Jace Owens, Kristen Cox, Kyla Owens and Zeke Owens; as well as his six great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Owens, Keyton Oliver, Fallon Owens, Kylor Cox, Finn Owens and Lane Owens.

Don is also survived by his sister, Verna Rogers of Waldron, Arkansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of countless family friends.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Lela Owens, step-father, Sam Calvert, one brother, Worman Owens, and one sister, Mavis Trumble.

Don’s celebration of life was held Sunday, February 2, 2020 followed by his interment in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements were entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas

Pallbearers were Jerad Owens, Jace Owens, Zeke Owens, Justin Cox and Bim Rogers.

Honorary Pallbearers were Danny Owens and Kirk Owens.

The family would request memorial donations may be made to the Haw Creek Baptist Church or the Scott County Senior Citizens Center, 1508 Clyde Hawkins Drive, Waldron, Arkansas 72958 in honor of Don.