FAYETTEVILLE — Donald Fletcher Moore,

91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 20, just hours after being surrounded by his family including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an untiring supporter and a source of inspiration to his entire family and numerous friends. Don was born on October 29, 1930, in Grant County, Arkansas, in the Dogwood Community, the first of six children of his parents, Virgil and Fanny Moore. Due to the Great Depression, his family moved to Omak, Washington. While living in a tent next to the Columbia River, he acquired his love of hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. He attended high school in Omak where he played football and other sports. After graduation, Don enrolled in the army in 1948 and afterward was stationed at Fort Ord, California, and Fort Brag, North Carolina. Later he was transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he achieved the rank of Corporal and was the physical training instructor for Officer’s Candidate School. While at Fort Riley, he met his future wife of 71 years, Rowene Caley Moore. They were married on July 9, 1951, after which they moved to San Francisco, California, where their first two children, David Michael and Ronald Dean were born. While living in San Francisco, Don worked as the athletic director for a school and played semi-professional football. After a few years, he and his family moved back to Arkansas and lived in Pine Bluff where the family’s third and fourth children, Nanette Marie and Donald Fletcher Jr. were born. He found work constructing the new International Paper Company Paper Mill and later found a position when the mill went into operation. While working at the mill, he achieved the position of Power Plant Operator, the highest paying hourly position in the mill where he worked until retirement in 1992. He and Rowene had a wonderful retirement, camping frequently at Lake Ouachita and many national parks around the nation. They also enjoyed traveling to many places including Great Britain, Australia, and the Canadian Rockies, many times enjoying the company of their Foodie Friends. In 2020, they moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to be closer to their two sons Don Jr. and Ronald.

Don was a tireless supporter of his family and friends, never hesitating to help when needed. He also served the community during times of crisis and catastrophe by volunteering for the Red Cross. He helped numerous communities suffering from storm and tornada damage. He loved helping his family and often volunteered to coach Little League and girls’ softball to support his children and grandchildren. One of his greatest contributions to his children and grandchildren was instilling a sense of confidence and work ethic. He always taught they could accomplish almost anything if they were willing to work hard enough and believe in themselves. It was a philosophy that served them through both good and bad times and helped them to be successful in life. One of his greatest joys was spending time at Moore’s Lake Hunting Club which he, close friends and family founded in the late sixties. He served as the club president for many years.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nettie Davenport. Survivors include his wife, Rowene Caley Moore, brother, Charles Moore (June), sisters, Joyce Pumphrey, Mary McCool (Doyle), Karen Witherow (Karl), brother-in-law, Kenneth Davenport, sons, David Moore (Becky), Ronald Moore, Donald Moore, Jr. (Danette), daughter, Nan Carr (Steve), six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will take place with the date and location to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Circle of Life Hospice at info@nwacircleoflife.org or Moore’s Chapel Church located at, 8374 South Ark Hwy 46, Prattsville, Arkansas. To place an online tribute, please visit: www.bernafuneralhomes.com