Don Ritter was born at home in rural Garland County on January 26, 1931, to George H. and Myrtie Ritter.  He made his heavenly journey at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Passing before him and anxiously awaiting him in his eternal home are his father and mother, George H. and Myrtie, sons Jerry and David (Denise), grandson Jonathan, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara (Jim) Standiford, Ritter, and Grisham grandparents, niece Shannon, and his aunts and uncles.

Don was a Christian, a "jack of all trades" extraordinaire, a hard worker, and a true country boy at heart.  He could do just about anything he set his mind to do.  He worked alongside his father, George H. Ritter, in the pump business.  At an early age, he worked rewinding motors. He worked for the Velda Rose in maintenance for years during the turbulent heyday of gambling in Hot Springs. The stories he could tell about that time! He worked at Munro Shoe Factory, maintaining and repairing machinery.  He left the shoe factory and worked at the Mountain Pine Weyerhaeuser Mill as a diesel and big-equipment mechanic for 20+ years.  His last job, until he finally retired, was a career with the Sentinel Record Circulation Department.  He worked 24/7 delivering newspapers to his customers who knew they could depend on him for their daily newspaper, no matter what the weather was like outside or even if he was sick.  Several vehicles were sacrificed under the wear and tear of his daily route!

There is not enough space or words to allow in this obituary for Don.  So many stories have been shared about his life….94 years of living! When you walk on crisp fall days, a snowy winter day, refreshing spring days, or blistering summer days, you can feel Don's presence.  He loved the outdoors, the water, and you could see the "little" young boy in his face whenever he was on his tractor.  Life was an adventure for him, and that is the way he approached it.  I'm sure he's approaching heaven the exact same way.  His guardian Angel, Paul, who is probably exhausted by now, is finally getting to retire!

Don leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Carolyn, who has been an excellent caregiver and warrior for him over the past 3 years, especially in the last 2 months.  He also leaves behind his brother John Wayne (Gloria), two daughters, Janetta and Sarah (Joseph), seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the care provided by Dr. Cloud, Dr. Timothy Webb, Dr. John Webb, CHI St. Vincent 4th floor nurses and staff, Belvedere Nursing and Rehab, and Arkansas Hospice.

A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on Friday, November 07, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Royal, 7402 Albert Pike Rd, AR 71968.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.