Donald Wayne Rea

Donald Wayne Rea recently passed in the home he shared with his sweetheart and best friend, Mary Kathleen McLane Rea. They were married on January 24, 1964, in Hutchinson County. Don was born in Borger, Texas on August 16, 1943, to Garrett Leonard Rea and Priscilla Pearl Davis Rea. Don Rea knew no stranger. He could easily converse with just about anyone on just about anything — from history facts (especially about Texas and Arkansas) and favorite authors, all the way to local politics and the merits of a low-mileage car. He was a voracious reader, but he was mostly known as a kind man who valued honesty and loyalty, and as a father and grandfather who found tremendous delight in the people he surrounded himself with.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Rea; his children and grandchildren: Pearl Rea of Tucson, AZ, Dr. Garrett and Brooke Rea of Gravette, AR — parents of Benjamin James and Olivia Don. John Charles and Meredith Rae Rea of Fort Smith, AR — parents of Amanda Marie of Van Buren, AR, and Kirby Garrett Rea; and grandfather to his great-granddaughter, Stella. Kevin and Karen Rea Croxton of Fort Smith, AR — parents of Aaron Brooks and Addy Gail Croxton. His siblings and in-laws: Charlotte Atherton of Plano, TX, James Braxton and Caroline McLane of Abilene, TX, Lewis and Betty McLane Farrar of Fort Smith, AR, and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Charlie (Glenna) of Wichita, KS, and John Paul of Amarillo, TX, as well as Haskell, Elwin, Bobby, and Darla McLane.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Oak Cemetery.