Donald Ray Kilgore

Donald Ray Kilgore, born in England on September 21, 1941, US Marine Corps Veteran, 32nd Degree Mason, rancher, farmer, hunter of all game, and avid fisherman, passed away on January 28, 2025. A lifelong business partner with his father, his farming career included Kingsland (Cleveland County) where in 1978 the family was voted Farm Family of the Year, a very proud moment for the Kilgores. Interests there included soybeans, wheat, oats, silage, and cattle. In Lonoke County, including the communities of Carlisle, Snake Island and Hamilton, consisted of rice, soybeans, aquaculture (minnows & fish), and Kilgore Motor Company. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Emogene Hankins Kilgore in 1954; brother, Jerry Kilgore in 1968; father, Vernon J. Kilgore in 1991, and nephew Jeffrey, in 2022. Growing up without a mother figure was hard on him, his brother and his sister, but with the love, support and provisions provided by their father Vernon, they got through and succeeded all the days of their lives. He and his siblings were very fortunate to also have had love and support from both the Kilgore and Hankins families. He is survived by his wife: Marie Kittler Kilgore of Carlisle; son: John David Kilgore of Dallas, Texas; daughter: Jill R. Kilgore Caviness & her husband Jason of Hazen; son: Jerry A. Kilgore & his wife Courtney of Carlisle; grandchildren: Caitlyn Kilgore, Carson Kilgore, Keller Kilgore, Luke Caviness & Lily Caviness; sister: Jeannie Kilgore & her husband Steve Inmon of Sherwood; nephew: Scot; a host of Kilgore and Hankins family cousins and many friends. There will be no public viewing or visitation. Graveside services, for all to attend, will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in Carlisle Cemetery, Carlisle, Arkansas, with Bro. Freddie McCann officiating and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home of Malvern, Arkansas. In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests memorials be made to New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 8525 New Bethel Rd., Hazen, Arkansas 72064 No flowers please. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com