Biography: Donovan Ray Chronister, 83, got on his horse and rode into the horizon on January 27, 2008. Don was born March 24, 1924 in Russellville, Arkansas, to the late Thelma Ann (Tiny) and William Walter (Papa) Chronister. Don moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas with his parents when he was eight years old. Growing up, Don spent most of his time riding horses and loved to tell stories of many broken bones and days spent riding bareback. He attended Old Main High School and Kemper Military Academy graduating in 1942. Following his graduation he joined the U.S. Army. While in the Army he attended Army Veterinary School at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He served with the 341st Infantry in France, Germany, and Austria during World War II. He finished his service in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of operation; ultimately instructing Filipino soldiers in their basic training in the Philippine Islands. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon Good Conduct Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon with Bronze Service Star, and the Asian Pacific Theatre Ribbon. In May 1947 he married his gorgeous bride, Jane Christian Whitmore. They were married 52 years before her death in 1999. Don was a brilliant business man. Together with his father they had a horse and mule barn supplying livestock to the U.S. Army for many years. He later had John Deer and Ferguson Tracker dealerships. The true love of his life was the “land”. He was the true southern gentleman farmer and as the saying goes “There was never a good crop”. Don had many successes in his life, but none as important as those he left behind. He leaves three loving daughters, Pamela Bonham, Cindy Walker, and Jane Chronister. Five grandchildren, Ericka Enlow, Whit Robben, Wayne Mehlin, Will Robben, and Mary Kathryn Robben. Three great grand children, Jeffrey Puddephat, James Puddephat, and Jordan Isbell. Don, better known as “Poppy”, ate lunch, laughed, and went to sleep. He had many caretakers in the last few months, but none as important as Robert and Kathy Ticer who cared for him day and night on the farm. Dad “should have been a cowboy”, but opted for a family life. He will be missed dearly and loved forever. P.S. We will all miss the pecans. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at Ruebel Funeral Home. Graveside services with Military Honors are to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Roselawn Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com