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Don Tyson Obituary
The company said Tyson died Thursday morning. The Stephens Media Group first reported that Tyson died of cancer.
Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. was founded by Don Tyson's father, John Tyson, in the early 1930s. In 1952, Don Tyson joined the business and in 1966 became its president. He remained with the company until 2001, when he retired as senior chairman.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
52 Entries
November 27, 2018
WE LOVE YOU
Alan Musgrove
May 1, 2012
I met Don when he came to visit Link Locket in Bali 1975/76? I only knew him for 2 weeks but I never forgot what a nice man he was we need more like him.
saddened to hear of his passing. Alan Musgrove Jimbaran Bali.
wendy mckittrick
November 3, 2011
My dad retired from Tyson's after 26 years and I remember when he first bought the plant in clarksville Arkansas, it was a very small town that he helped grow, ppl didn't have much but he came in and paid a very fair wage and oh the parties he had for the families of the workers was like a giant carnival that all of us kids that had never had much so enjoyed! I worked for him a short time after high-school and met him which I had met him when I was small too and he was so pleasant and down to earth I just couldn't help but liking him he did make a big difference in ppls lives I want everyone to know he was a great man who gave jobs and great insurance and other benefits as well! We will miss employers like him they will soon be a thing of the past God bless you Mr Tyson
Bryna Wities
March 8, 2011
I was pleased and proud that Mr. Don Tyson liked my watercolor painting
to purchase it and hang in his corporate office. It was of a prizewinning rooster, matted and framed and ready to hang. I won a blue ribbon for it;
I don't think I mentioned it in my description. ..... I was very saddened to
hear of his death a few weeks ago. Bryna Wities, San Diego, CA..
How you can show support
ed barnwell
February 7, 2011
Don,was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.I was fortunate to have worked for Don.He helped me in many ways and my family and I have a better life because of him.Hopefully the company will continue to follow Don's principles,He made everyone feel special.Don would do anything to help you and was a great teacher and leader.He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
January 30, 2011
We have the fondest memories of Don in Cairns Marlin Fishing, which was one of his favourite hobbies. Don was such a wonderful man, very kind and generious, always wanting to put on a great party for his friends. Every year Don would come to my restaurant 'Tawnys on the Jetty' every year he was fishing. The whole Game Fishing Industry of Australia has lost a true friend.
fondest wishes
JUNELLE and GEORGE
Bryna Wities
January 12, 2011
In an art class in San Diego, we were given an assignmnt of painting a rooster.Then I thought someone in the business might like it hanging in their corporate office. I sent a covering letter and photo of it.Mr Tyson's secretary called to say he'd buy it.I was overjoyed to know that someone of Mr. Tyson's status would like my art. It is a good memory for me. May he rest in peace.
J Owen
January 11, 2011
Several years ago my connecting flight in Dallas to NWA was delayed. I sat beside a man who was waiting on the same flight as I and we proceeded to have some idol conversation. I shared that I had been to Florida visiting my parents and was returning home to Bentonville. He commented that he loved northwest Arkansas and stayed busy raising a few chickens. About twenty or so minutes into our varied conversation, several well dressed businessmen approached, hands extended, voiced a respectful 'Hello' to Don; Mr. Tyson; Sir. It was then that I realized who I had been talking with and thought to myself 'I guess this guy really does raise a few chickens', and smiled. Our conversation moved to a more professional tone and Mr. Tyson also included that even though we were delayed for hours that the Tyson corporate jet would not be used to transport just one person, not even him.
Our plane arrived and we took our seats apart from each other and continued on to NWA. When I got home I shared my story of meeting Mr. Don Tyson, the master of his industry, and that I was glad that I did not know who he was during the beginning of our conversation. I explained that during our brief meeting I found him to be unpretentious and wondered if a man of his worth was happy to have anonymity and just talk about nothing in particular. It was easy, without perception or judgement. Just two strangers sharing conversation while waiting for a plane.
With respect Mr. Tyson.
God Bless
J. Owen
LORI FARRAR
January 11, 2011
MAY THE LORD GRANT THIS PERSON THE REST HE SO DESERVES. MY PRAYERS ARE FOR THE TYSON FAMILY AT THIS THEIR TIME OF SORROW. WHAT A REMARKABLE PERSON TO WORK FOR THIS FAMOUS COMPANY FOR SO MANY YEARS, MAY GOD KEEP THESE PEOPLE SAFE AND LET THEM ALL REMEMBER THAT IT WAS GOD THAT GAVE THIS COMPANY MR TYSON. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY AND GUIDE THEM FOR ALL ETERNITY.
Alex López-Negrete
January 9, 2011
With deepest respect to the Tyson family:
My team and I had the honor of being of service to you, John, and the rest of your stellar team for several years. Our prayers go to the Tyson family - one of the great families of America - in this time of sorrow.
With respect, our deepest sympathies,
Alex López Negrete and the Lopez Negrete family
nancy gonzalez
January 9, 2011
to the tyson family we are very sorry for your great lost may god bless you all.
gonzalez family
glenda melvin
January 8, 2011
We met Don Tyson years ago when he was visiting Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC, He found out that he had a location in Eastover, NC and he wanted to come visit us. He came and was very pleasant to all of us by shaking our hands and introducing himself and he even took the time for us to get a picture with him. He was a remarkable man that will be deeply missed. We offer our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.
Susie Melvin, Randy Baxley, and Mitchell Sessoms on behalf of Tyson Central Farms, Fayetteville, NC
Eugene Smith
January 8, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jake Martin
January 8, 2011
Don Tyson did for chicken what Henry Ford did for road safety.
R L
January 8, 2011
I did not know you, but sure did eat alot of chicken from Tyson. Peace be with you.
January 7, 2011
TO THE TYSON FAMILY,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT IN READING DANIEL 12;2.A.W.HOUSTON,TX.
Dave Cellers
January 7, 2011
Our condolences to the Tyson family. From the family of Dave Cellers, Tyson Prepared Foods. South Hutchinson Kansas.
Marilynn
January 7, 2011
May the thoughts of friends and family be with you at this time of bereavement. May the loving memories of Mr. Tyson keep alive in your hearts and minds always. - roman 15:4
Bryce Barrett
January 7, 2011
I work for Tyson Foods in the Olathe Distribution Center in Olathe,KS. I offer my condolences to the Don Tyson family.
Colonel Bob Johnston
January 7, 2011
I got to know Don back in the 70's while on the AFROTC faculty at U of Arkansas. Enjoyed frequent get-togethers at local events and always looked forward to his being there. My condolences to the Tyson family.
January 7, 2011
My condolences to the Tyson family. (John Gomez, New York)
Sharon Morphis
January 7, 2011
Our family is a Tyson family, my husband being a maintenance tech for Tyson, Vicksburg, MS. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Mr. Don and we send our deepest condolences to the Tyson family. - The Gary Morphis family
Christopher Johnson
January 7, 2011
I've work for Tyson Food as a driver over three years and he was a wonderful man,he will greatly missed by my wife and I. With deepest sympathy.
Christoper E. Johnson
Ashley Locke Vincent
January 7, 2011
I have known the colonel for my entire life. He was one of my family's oldest and dearest friends. I am deeply saddened by his loss. God bless you Don Tyson. Tell Uncle Poodie I said "hi" we luv you and will miss you.
Ray Gates
January 7, 2011
My condolences to John and the entire Tyson family at this time of sorrow in your lives. My prayers are with you for strength during this time of grieving.
utricia Hayes
January 7, 2011
I'm very sorry for your loss, although I never met Mr Don my late husband Stanford Hayes worked with him out of Berlin,Md down here on the eastern shore of maryland. At the birth of my son he gave my husband 6 silver dollar bills he was truly a generous man and my husband thought alot of him. Today I will tell my 17 year old that his fathers friend has joined him in waiting on the resurrection of the last day by Jesus Christ our Lord. May God Be With His Entire Family
Utricia B. Hayes
Roland and Teena Dyess
January 7, 2011
We worked for Tyson Foods, Inc. in Alabama for many years. Mr. Tyson was a wonderful man and we send our deepest condolences to his family and all the Tyson Team Members as well. Rest in Peace.
January 7, 2011
To A Great Man, Friend & Angler..Peace Be With You Don. Catch A Grander Up There Buddy.....
Capt. Vince Montella
Grover Brown
January 7, 2011
It has been a true honor to have known and been associated with such a warm and inpiring man as Mr. Tyson. Please accept my deepest condolances.
Dolon Peete
January 7, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Tom Kerr
January 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Leland Tollett and Buddy Wray in the loss of their friend and leader--Don Tyson. Don had the insight to buy a poultry plant in Monett, Mo. more than 40 years ago, making it the first Tyson plant outside Ark. As a retired 23-year production employee of Tyson, I am gratiful for the stock purchase and retirement plans of Tyson Foods, Inc. and count it a privilege to have worked for Don Tyson, who surrounded himself with men like Leland Tollett and Buddy Wray and who ranks with Sam Walton and J. B. Hunt in the business world.
trish dietrich-- thomas
January 6, 2011
oh my godddddd this was my grandfathers best friend back in high school-- gpas name bobby thomas. don always tried to talk my gpa into going into the chicken biusness and my gpa joked ''i dont want to mess with those dirty chickens' hehe.- we have so many pictures of him-- the class reunions were usally held at don's compound!! wowwwww don you will be very missed-- i grew up always knowing you and some of my family work for you also.. always with love-- trish--bobby thomas's g-daughter-
Stephanie and Ron Lambring
January 6, 2011
The Colonel as we all knew Mr.Tyson was a giant among men.He showed us things we would never have seen if not for him. I remember him trying to teach me about the difference in beef...only he would take the time to do that. In times of trial he was always there for his friends. In short he was a great man. May his family know the comfort of the Lord as they grieve their loss. God Bless Don Tyson!
Bob Scruggs
January 6, 2011
I met Don Tyson in Shelbyville, Tennessee. I was a Times-Gazette reporter and wrote many articles about Tyson. Don gave me a Tyson pen and pencil set which I still have. My association with Tyson was very pleasant. I felt appreciated. God bless Don Tyson.
Erv and June Podoll
January 6, 2011
To the Don Tyson family: Our sincere condolences in your time of sorrow.
R Golay
January 6, 2011
To the the family of Don Tyson - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Don will be missed by many.
alan barnes
January 6, 2011
Mr. Tyson made me believe that anything is possible with hard work and dreams. he made me take a long hard look at myself and life, and as a result I am a better man. Mr. tyson was a man's man... and a loving man. My only regret is not knowing this man longer....
What a man, what a business, what a life !
Thank You Mr. Tyson..
Bonnie Byram
January 6, 2011
My father, Everett Whillock, enjoyed working with Don. Dad's company, along with my Uncle Dean, built several buildings for Tyson Inc. and always had wonderful stories about Don. Our deepest sympathy to the Tyson family at this time.
January 6, 2011
My husband,Jim Grant,(pilot with Van Tress farms) had so many nice
Memories of trips with Don. My prayers are with you.
OLa Grant.
Jackson, Mississippi
The Williams family
January 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
SUSAN ELLIOTT
January 6, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF DON TYSON PRAYERS CONDOLENCES TO HIS COMPANY OUR PRAYERS CONDOLENCES ALSO GO OUT TO THEM
Jack and Angela Campbell
January 6, 2011
Our prayers are with the Tyson family!
January 6, 2011
I have known the Tyson family since I was born. To me, he was a great man. His kindness and thoughtfulness to others, in Northwest Arkansas, has endeared him to my heart. May God Bless you, Don and find a special place for you in Heaven. From Barbara Petrini, (Part of the Upton family)
Sarah Gordon
January 6, 2011
I remember bowling with Don in Fayetteville, then going out for drinks after. He did great things for my hometown and will never be forgotten. Within the last few weeks, both of our icons from the chickens and eggs have passed away. Don Tyson and Gene George did so much for the town of Springdale, and both will remain in our hearts.
January 6, 2011
So long friend. My heart goes out to your family.
January 6, 2011
Sam Walton, J B Hunt, Don Tyson. Arkansas' greatest period of entrepreneurship has probably ended for now.
david taylor
January 6, 2011
walk with god
Lisa Kirkpatrick
January 6, 2011
I was saddened to hear of Don Tyson's death. He was an amazing man. I had not worked at the corporate office very long, and he came by and introduced himself. I saw him out a few weeks later and he remembered my name. I knew then, that I was working for a good company.
My sentiments to the Tyson family.
Pearl Lopez Delgado
January 6, 2011
Godbless you Mr.DonTyson
Sentiments to Tyson family
our Prayers of Condolences
Michael Quinn
January 6, 2011
Don gave thousands of people the opportunity to advance their position in life thru hard work. This in an area of the country that needed private job growth. He truly cared for all of his plant employees. Anyone that did business in Tyson plants in the early days knew of his concerns for line employees.
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
January 6, 2011
I always liked the term used for the line workers, as Chicken Pluckers.
I guess there's a bit of humor in any line of work.
God
Bless.
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