Donald “Donnie” Joe Forrester, 69, of Hazen, Arkansas went to be with His heavenly Father on Saturday, December 24th, 2022. He was born on April 3rd, 1953 to Lynn and Aliene Forrester. He retired as a firefighter after 29 years of serving the Little Rock Fire Department. He also retired as a member of the Army National Guard after 35 years, serving overseas in one tour in Iraq. His life was marked by his service and love for his community, country, God, and his family.
Donnie was always looking for opportunities to use the gifts God gave him. He loved playing softball, singing, cheering on the Razorbacks and Hornets, and visiting his kids and grandkids.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dolores Lynn Perry, and niece, Tania Bush. He is survived by his beloved partner, Darlene Stone; daughter, Carrie Neldon (Mitchell) of Fayetteville; his son, Douglas Forrester (Kelly) of Rogers; grandchildren, Ruby Neldon, Miles Neldon, and Jasper Neldon; brother-in-law, Danny Perry of Ward; nephews, Jamie Felts (Annette) of Hazen and David Perry of Ward; nephew-in-law, Huey Bush and a host of great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 29th, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen. Visitation will be from 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. followed by services officiated by Bro. Christian Van Houten, Bro. Mitchell Neldon, and Bro. Dennis Smith. Burial will follow at Hazen Cemetery.
Don, we were heartbroken to hear the news of your passing but rejoice that you are in the presence of our Savior! Darlene is a strong Woman; she will get thru this with the love & support from all your friends & family. Go rest high on that mountain!!
Don, you were a trip to work with at the Fire Department, some of the things we were involved in were fun and entertaining, especially around the station. I recall how proud you were when your children were born and as they grew up and became responsible adults. we attended many functions with our wife and Sharon was always alot of fun. My prayers of love and comfort for all the family. See you on the other side old buddy and we will pick out a cloud and sit and talk about what’s been happening till I got there.
Rest in Eternal Peace.
Hey Birthday Twin!! I will always remember your smile and generous heart!
I can just see you in Heaven’s Jubilee singing praises to our Lord and Savior!
I will be praying for your loved ones that were left behind, praying that the Lord will give them the strength and comfort they need in saying their earthly goodbyes.
Always enjoyed working with Don on the LRFD. Prayers for the family.
Donnie was a wonderful classmate, teammate, and friend. Kind, generous, and a leader who led by example. Donnie was truly one of the “good ones”, and will be missed.
Don, you were the one who made my sweet cousin Darlene Happy while you were here, she has been your Angel on earth, even though you’ll be watching from above you’ll always have a special place in her heart as I know she did yours we meet for the first time at my Mother’s Funeral Service and I will always remember your kindness and the effort you made to be there, in pain and suffering you came and supported us, love in your heart was full and kindness overflowed just the kind, good person you were…Sing in Heaven and watch over your loved ones…rest in peace and pain free…..
Don what an honor and a privilege to have served in the Arkansas revival center choir with you under the direction of Paul Jackson for so many years. You and Paul keep the choir going till I get there Darlene if you need anything, let me know.
Sorry to hear this about Donnie. We knew him growing up in Hazen though he was much younger and also as a fellow church member at First Baptist, Sherwood. Donnie always had a smile on his face and cheerful words. Our sympathy to his family and loved ones.
Donnie was an inspiration to us younger kids back in the day at Calvary Baptist Church . Prayers for his family and friends.
Carrie and Douglas I’m sure you can’t know how sad I am to hear of your Daddy. I haven’t seen either of you since you were children. But your Mom Sharon, remembers me. I live in Iowa, but I came as often as I could. I loved Don very much. He called me when Dolores passed. I grew up with Dolores and I remember when Donnie was born. Please let all the family know how sorry I am to see Don pass. I know I will see him in Heaven. We’re not better for having lost Don but I KNOW he is singing with the Angels in the presence of our Lord. I pray for all of the family that they will have peace until we meet Don again. Love to all of you.♥️♥️ Your cousin, Ruth.
As best as I can recall I met Don in the Fire Marshal’s Office where we both worked for several years. We had a lot of good times and fun, sometimes at Don’s expense. If you couldn’t take joking about yourself then you had no business being on the fire department. Don seemed undaunted by the joking and other things that sometimes could be less than kind. He was a “full steam ahead” fellow in all situations which I found admirable. We participated together in various activities sponsored by the fire department and the City of Little Rock. Don was an asset to the Little Rock Fire Department and the city and I know his family is proud of his legacy. I shall truly miss him.
Don is: a dear brother in Christ and a faithful friend; a great leader as an Army officer and a great servant as a fire fighter.
Don will be sorely missed until we all see Jesus. Thank you Lord.