Donald Joseph Pennington

Donald Joseph Pennington, age 88, a lifelong resident of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at his home. He was born September 18, 1932, in Arkadelphia, the son of the late Roland and Ruby Johnston Pennington. Don graduated from Henderson State University and received his doctorate from the University of Arkansas. He taught at Ouachita Baptist University and retired from Henderson State University. After his retirement, Don worked fourteen and one-half years at the Dawson Education Coop. He was a LTC (retired) in the Army Reserves, where he served as company commander before his retirement. Don was a member of Second Baptist Church for over fifty years. He served on the Arkadelphia School Board and the board of the Humane Society of Clark County. Don was an amateur radio operator (WA5AWA) and enjoyed making and giving away bluebird houses. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Buddy Pennington. Don is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Pat Green Pennington of Arkadelphia; two children: Don Pennington (Meredith) of Little Rock and Patricia Fowler (Jim) of Friendship; four grandchildren: Taylor, Lauren, and Andi Fowler, and Pierce Pennington; seven nieces and nephews: Fred, Bill, Kenneth, and Roland Pennington, Dawn Freeman, Penni Jacobs and Gerry Bradford. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, with Associate Pastor Jacob Jenkins officiating. Memorials are suggested to The Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923 or Second Baptist Church Building Fund, 815 S. 11th St, Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.