Donald Ray Saffell

Donald Ray Saffell, 75, of Van Buren, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2015. He was born January 1, 1940 in Jonesboro to the late Rufus and Trudie Pierce Saffell. He graduated from Valley High School in Jonesboro, and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He worked 45 years in the Food Service industry starting with Swift & Co., and retiring from Tankersley Food Service. He was a member of Butterfield Assembly of God, and served in the National Guard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and her husband, Lucille and Eugene Emmons; and two brothers-in-law, Odell Jones and Harrison Keltner.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Jones Saffell of the home; a daughter, Tonya Richmond and husband Ernie of Rudy; a son, Steven Saffell and wife Cara of Van Buren; two sisters, Wanda Keltner of Michigan, and Bernice Jones of Jonesboro; five grandchildren, Garrett Richmond, and Mason, Carson, Sawyer, and Aspen Saffell; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2015 at Butterfield Assembly of God with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Dave Landers, Jimmy Atwell, Bobby Gregory, Gregg Ables, Jerry Smith, and Ed Brewer. Honorary pallbearers will be the RV Ministry Group.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.