Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Donald J. Shaban, age 78

Donald J. Shaban, passed away September 12, 2020 at his home with his loving wife by his side.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Louise Ashy Shaban, he was born on November 8, 1941 in Brinkley, Arkansas.

Don was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Brinkley, where he was active as an altar boy.  He graduated from Brinkley High School in 1960, where he played football and basketball.  After graduation he attended the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas. In 1963 he joined the United States Army and served overseas until 1966.  Donald married his loving wife, Sandra Johnson on March 2, 1990 in Oklahoma.  He received a large family that came with this marriage, but he loved being a grandfather and being called “Big-Man”.   He was a very loving and kind man who adored his grandchildren. Don worked as a computer programmer and technician, his job required a lot of travel and moves.  They lived in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, and had extended stays in California and Baltimore. They traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast and from the North to the South. They enjoyed traveling and the many golf courses they played on. As retirement approached, they returned to Arkansas to be near family and settled in Sherwood. He enjoyed watching football and was an avid New Orleans Saints fan.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Joe Shaban and Ronald Shaban; his sister Sylvia Murtishaw (Jim) and his step-son Bobby Whiteside.

Donald leaves behind his loving wife, Sandra Shaban of Sherwood; his step-children LeAnn Gerlach (Tommy) of Clarendon, Arkansas, Brad Whiteside (Marnie) of Floresville, Texas and daughter-in-law Dee Whiteside of Senatobia, Mississippi; his grandchildren Jessica Gerlach, Chole Caldwell of Clarendon, Arkansas, LaShae Wilkerson (Edward), James and Claire Wilkerson, of Little Rock, Arkansas, Chase Caldwell ( Cris) of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Ashley Delomba (Michael) of San Antonio, Texas, Brandon Whiteside of Floresville, Texas; Logan Whiteside and Brianna Whiteside, both of Seatobia, Mississippi,  and Walker Derden of Stuttgart, Arkansas; a special cousin Farris Habbit (Mary) of St. Martinville, Louisiana; a host of nieces and nephews; many extended friends and family.  To know Donald was to love him and miss him dearly.

In light of the current health concerns, Don’s family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers if you are not able to attend the service. Please be aware, as per Arkansas directives, attendance will be regulated in accordance to Arkansas guidelines, all guests in attendance will be required wear masks/facial coverings and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

A rosary will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 4:00 PM at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main, Jacksonville, Arkansas. Visitation will follow rosary from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M.

7 Comments

  • Earline Habbit Posted September 14, 2020 6:04 PM

    Sorry to hear about Donnie, May he Rest In Peace.
    Praying for you & the family

  • Jerry Floyd Posted September 14, 2020 7:59 PM

    Sandy, sorry to hear of your loss, prayers for you and the family

  • David Koury Posted September 14, 2020 8:58 PM

    My sympathies to the family.I have not seen Donnie in years.But as a youngster when he lived in Lafayette.I remember what a kind person he was.His mother Aunt Louise always brightened things up when she would visit Lafayette .I know where his kind nature came from.

  • Jennifer Files and Family Posted September 14, 2020 9:00 PM

    I love you Aunt Sandy and Uncle Don was such a great guy. He was so loved and he will me deeply missed. We are praying for you, love Jennifer & the boys.

  • Steve Nash Posted September 14, 2020 9:51 PM

    Uncle Don you will be greatly missed. You always had that happy smile about you regardless of the circumstances. You made aunt Sandy a very happy lady.my prayers are with the famuly

  • Middie Ann Butcher Posted September 16, 2020 4:47 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  • Debbie Dufrene Posted September 18, 2020 4:41 PM

    I’m so sorry for your loss keep him in your heart as we have always done.

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