Donald Eugene Crispell (Don to most), 80, of Desha, AR, passed away on June 5, 2025, in Jonesboro, AR.
Don was born on July 27, 1944, in Owego, NY, to James and Margaret Crispell. He graduated from Odessa High School and later joined the United States Navy, serving as an Airframe Maintenance Technician. In 1962, Don met the love of his life, Betsy, at Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee. Although life took them in different directions for a time, fate brought them back together in 1975. Don tracked Betsy down in Mountain View, AR. She received a phone call from him while he was stationed in California. Don made the long trip with his daughters, Theresa and Wendy, to visit Betsy and her daughter, Elizabeth. After dating for a few months—but having known each other for many years—they were married on November 25, 1975.
Don served actively in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, 8 months, and 6 days. He could even tell you the exact number of minutes he served.
After retiring from the Navy, Don worked for Walmart Inc. and Pro-Dentec in Batesville, AR. Don was a talker, and his last job at Walmart in Mountain View made him a familiar face to many. He loved pushing his broom and chatting with everyone he met. I inherited the gift of gab from my dad.
After being diagnosed with throat cancer, Don’s life changed. He and Betsy moved from Mountain View to Desha to be closer to their son Donald, daughter-in-law Patricia, and their children—as well as closer to his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Billy. During his battle with cancer, Dad met Josh Morrison, a dedicated VA representative who worked tirelessly to help him secure the benefits he deserved. Josh invited Don to the Veterans Breakfast Club, where every Friday, our family did our best to get him there to be with his “other family.” That group meant more to Dad than words can say. He was affectionately known as an OG member and took great pride in inviting as many fellow veterans as he could find. Josh Morrison, your commitment to veterans had a profound impact on my father’s final years—thank you.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy; daughters Elizabeth Evans (Billy) and Theresa Padron; and his son Donald (Patricia) Crispell. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Maggie Crispell, Chloe Crispell, Savana Padron, Kayla Crispell, Carsen Crispell, Garrett Baker, Kolby Crispell, Rendall Baker, Jacob Baker, Jacob Mooneyhan, and Francisco Padron. Don was especially proud that three of his grandsons are currently serving in the Armed Forces: Kolby Crispell in the United States Air Force, Garrett Baker in the United States Marine Corps, and Rendall Baker in the Virginia National Guard. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Crispell.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Crispell, and his daughter, Wendy Baker.
Pallbearers will be Carsen Crispell, Kolby Crispell, Darden Mooneyhan SR, Travis Davis, Billy Evans, Jonathan Stalcup, Josh Morrison and the United States Navy.
Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Evans, Carl Ivey, David Stalcup and The Veterans Breakfast Club.
A visitation will be held Saturday, June 14th, 2025, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at School Avenue Church of Christ, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Brother Finis Brewer, Brother Josh Morrison, and Brother Travis Davis will officiate the service. Interment will take place at Blue Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Independence County Veterans Memorial Group to build a Veterans Memorial. An account has been set up at First Community Bank of Batesville or contact Josh Morrison at 870-793-8812 for more information.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Service.
