Charles Donald “Don” White passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in Fort Smith at the age of 90. He was born August 1, 1934 in the Cain Community to Willie A. White, and Altha Cain White. After graduating from Mountainburg Schools Don attended Westark Community College. In 1956 he enlisted in the Army, 82nd Airborne and was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After finishing jump school, he spent the time at the Panama Canal, Augsburg, Germany and Munich Germany, and Beirut, Lebanon. He rotated back to the states and was discharged at Fort Chaffee. Don went to work for Dixie Cup in 1958. In 1960 he married Shirley Anderson whom he met in 1954 at Lake Fort Smith swimming pool where he was the lifeguard.
In 1964 when Gerber Products came to Fort Smith Don worked for them the next 30 years. After retirement they spent the month of November at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the next 20 years. Don enjoyed wood working and painting. For 12 years Don owned an Arts and Crafts Shop, Country Junction. Don loved the Lord, country and life in general. Don was a man of strength, integrity, humility and kindness. He looked for the positive and best in everyone. Don was an active member of the First Christian Church for 57 years. He served as youth pastor, deacon and elder. Don had also attended Grand Avenue Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Anderson White.
He is survived by many cousins and many friends. Although Don had no children his life was blessed with some who were like his own.
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, and the Celebration of Don’s life will be Monday, February 3, 2025 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Sid Martin, Brad McIntosh, David Gipson, Dallas Gipson, Meghan Pope, Bryson McIntosh and Cooper McIntosh. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Roberts, Jimmy Locovare, Ron Hibbs, Dick Friday, Dick Cosner, Allen Marshall and Bill Acord.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Interfaith Service Network, 212 N. College Avenue, Clarksville, AR 72830, Community Service Clearing House, 4420 Wheeler Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901, or go to www.csclearinghouse.org. or to the First Christian Church, 3501 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903 or go to www.fccdoc.org.
