Donald Wayne Enderson

Donald Wayne Enderson, 78, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on October 20, 2026. He was born on May 18, 1948, to Lawson and Sarah Enderson in Blytheville, Arkansas. His Aunt Verna and Uncle Lawrence Poole are credited for providing constant love and support throughout his childhood.

He was a proud graduate of Blytheville High School Class of 1966. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1967 and served honorably on the USS Duluth during the Vietnam War. After the service, he attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. Many awards for outstanding art were bestowed on him during his college years. He was honored to study under Evan Lindquist, a renowned art professor and printmaker who was appointed the first Artist Laureate for the State of Arkansas.

In 1973, Don married Dwana Johnston and moved to Little Rock, where he was employed by Dillard’s Art Department as an advertising sketch artist. He later obtained a teaching certificate from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He taught art classes at Hall High School, then worked for a time as a travel agent. He returned to his true passion of teaching art at Central High School, where he retired after 25 dedicated years. The students at Central High fondly dubbed him “E-Dawg” and “Mr. E.”. His most rewarding career moments came when he was able to encourage a struggling student, recognize a budding artist, provide a meal or a ride, and offer a quiet, safe place for students to eat lunch and socialize. As a testament to his teaching, a handful of students honor him as a life-changing influence.

During retirement he enjoyed cooking, gardening, horse racing, playing the lottery, watching wildlife, and, above all, being a grandfather. He was a loving, hardworking husband and father who treasured his family. They will dearly miss his dad jokes, his famous cornbread, his gentle guitar strumming, his unwavering love, and his remarkable knack for fixing anything – always having just what was needed on hand. A lover of the outdoors, art, music, and laughter, Don was a talented guitar player who also became skilled at guitar renovation. His daughters and grandchildren carry his legacy forward, paying tribute to his creativity, talent, wit, humility, and boundless unconditional love.

Diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2023, he waged a courageous battle and maintained a good quality of life for three years due to the outstanding care and commitment from Dr. Diane Wilder and her team at CARTI. In his final weeks, Hospice Home Care and the compassionate doctors and nurses at the Palliative Care Unit of the VA Hospital in Little Rock maintained his comfort and dignity. The family will be forever grateful to the VA for their immediate, heartfelt response in providing inpatient care.

Don is survived by Dwana Enderson, his wife of 53 years, two daughters and sons-in-law: Shada Roberts-Tanner and Eric Tanner, and Marla Thompson and Brandon Thompson; three grandchildren: Madison Roberts, Victoria Tanner, and Mason Thompson; and his dear life-long friend, Alan Tegethoff.

Services will be private with internment at Rest Hills Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to CARTI Foundation, PO Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215, or online at carti.com/foundation/donate-now, or by phone at 501-603-8813.