Donald Lee Hilsdon

Donald Lee Hilsdon, known affectionately as Don, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at the age of 83, at his home with his wife by his side. Born on May 10, 1942, in Hazen, Arkansas, Don was a lifelong resident of Brinkley and deeply embedded in the local community.

Don graduated from Clarendon High School in 1961 and embarked on a career that began in farming. He later served as a rural mail carrier in Brinkley, retiring after 31 and a half years of dedicated service. His work ethic and friendly demeanor made him a well-respected figure along his mail routes.

Don met Glenda Lowe and 2 years later they were married at First Baptist Church in Brinkley on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1964, in a private ceremony with family. Their union was blessed with two sons, Allen and Stephen, and a loving family that grew to include three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Don loved his family and taught his sons everything he knew about life, work and hunting.  The family attended church together grounding their lives in the Love of God.  Don and his sons spent lots of time together with friends at hunting camps or coon hunting, enjoying the outdoors as much as he did. As they got older they followed him to the farm and learned how to work.  

Beyond his professional life, Don was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church in Brinkley for 57 years. He served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, giving devotionals before Sunday School for years, reflecting his deep faith and commitment to God and his church.

Don's hobbies included coon hunting and attending club hunts, which were a significant part of his life. He also had a passion for gardening, often raising a garden patch and sharing the produce with friends and family. After retirement, he became a regular at the local cafe's coffee club where he enjoyed being with friends and discussing the latest gossip and hunting stories.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Glenda Hilsdon of the home; sons, Allen Hilsdon of Brinkley and Stephen (Micah) Hilsdon of Palestine; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Hilsdon, Andrew Hilsdon, and Marley Sheffer; two great-grandchildren, Bryson and Brantley Hilsdon. He also leaves behind his sisters, Judy (Buster) Babb of North Little Rock and Sharon (Larry) Green of Brinkley; a special niece, Ashley (Brent) Steele of North Little Rock; and sister-in-law, Velma Kaup of Bauxite, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances Hilsdon, and sisters, Bettie Nell Barnhill and Shirley Sutherland.