Donald Witt Waddell

Donald Witt "Don" Waddell, 84, of Jonesboro, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Don was a native and life-long resident of Jonesboro. All of his education from kindergarten through college occurred on the campus of Arkansas State University, including as a graduate of State High where he and his brother Ronald excelled in basketball. He was a retired employee of Colson Manufacturing in Jonesboro where he served as Project Manager. Don was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro where he was a deacon and member of the Mike Mullally Sunday school class. Don also served as a greeter and on the hospital ministry team and was previously active in the church Care Center. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ralph and Juanita Witt Waddell. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Peggy Ann Miles Waddell of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law: Ralph and Audri Waddell and Paul and Suzanne Waddell, all of Jonesboro; one daughter and son-in-law: Donna and Mike Downing of Jefferson City, Missouri; two brothers and sister-in-law: Ron and Lee Waddell of Jonesboro and Bob Waddell of Durham, N.C.; eight grandchildren and their spouses: Drew and Brittany Waddell, Chris and Jaclyn Downing, Sam and Taylor Waddell, Sara and Guy Brown, Matthew Waddell, Emily Downing, Jake and Carly Waddell and Bennett Waddell; three great-grandchildren: Kenley Kate Waddell, Emma Grace Waddell and John Thomas Waddell; and six nephews, nieces and their spouses: Julie and Tom Cellucci, Betsy and Brad Smith, Scott and Kristie Waddell, Mary Waddell, Greg Garner and Stewart Waddell. Visitation will be 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday at Emerson Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. in Emerson Chapel with Rev. Emil Williams officiating. Private burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the First Baptist Church Care Center, 701 S. Main St., Jonesboro, Ark,. 72401; or the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East St., Jonesboro, Ark. 72401. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.