Donald Lee Cholcher, 82, of Fort Smith passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, at Methodist Village. He was born August 31, 1937 in Goose Creek (Later known as Baytown), Texas to the late Herman and Ruth Cholcher.
Don, an avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer came to Fort Smith in 1959 to teach at First Lutheran School where he spent 9 blessed years teaching and coaching basketball grades 3-9. His early years in Fort Smith were spent playing baseball, Slow-Pitch and Fast-Pitch Softball. As a member of the Falstaff Slow-Pitch team, he traveled to many tournaments and was inducted into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in 2002. After working at Baldor Electric Co. for 34 years, he retired in 2002 to pursue his many hobbies. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod serving First Lutheran Church in Fort Smith in many ways. His love of singing led him to sing in the church choir for 57 years.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma J. Cholcher; two sons, Fr. Jonathan Herman Cholcher (Diane), David William Cholcher (Matt Vermedahl); three grandchildren, Moriah (David) Hastings, Christian and Daniel Cholcher.
Viewing will be 1 PM till 6 PM Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home. A family graveside committal service will be celebrated Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Fort Smith.
Active Pallbearers will be: Bernie Parsons, Don Schaap, Kurt Griesse, Roy Loris, Randy Coleman, Mark Barr. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Brothers–in-law: Roger, Dennis, and Doug Hartner, Lou Fellwock, Bob Lindow, Fred Cousins. A memorial service at First Lutheran Church will be scheduled at a later time.
Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorials donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1115 North D Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, designated Window Restoration Fund.
To sign his online guestbook, please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
