Donald R. Impson

Donald R. Impson, D.V.M., passed away on November 2, 2024, at home with his family by his side. Don was born 91 years ago in Huttig, Arkansas where his father, Telphord, worked at the Union Sawmill, and his mother, Corene, was a homemaker. His brother, Lloyd, and sister, Shirley, preceded him in death.
Don graduated from Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) in 1955, and the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1959. He then returned to Magnolia where he began his 60+ years of practicing veterinary medicine across the counties of southwest Arkansas and northeast Louisiana.
Don met Sherry Wilson at the Wilson Clinic where she worked when he sought care for a rabid dog bite. They were married, following many dates at the Chatterbox Café, and celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.
Don was a devout Christian man who supported his Central Baptist Church family in many roles throughout his seven decades of membership. He participated in mission trips, helped found the bus ministry in the 1970s, and was a deacon who unfailingly demonstrated the traits of a servant-leader.
Don is survived by his wife, Sherry, and children, Ted, Mandy, and John, and their wonderful families. His daughters-in-law, Glynis and Shelley were very special to him, and his grandchildren, Lauryn (Beau), Leslie, Wilson, Nick (Shyann), Matt, Luke and Olivia were blessed growing up with a devoted grandfather and an exceptional role-model. Though still young, his great-grandchildren, Maverick and Finley, knew coming to "Poppa Don's" house was a special time. Don is also survived by special family friend, Jane Brady, who shared his love of bird-watching and nature's beauty. Don's extended family of nieces and nephews who survive him have countless fond memories of their time with "Uncle Don" on his farm.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, November 4, 2024, in the Central Baptist Church sanctuary. Tye Alford, Mike Argo, Tommy Dailey, Marty Domerese, Tommy Fallin, Don Franks, John Ed Gunnels, Steve Hampton, and Tommy Jacks will serve as honorary pallbearers. Immediately after the service, Don's family will be in the church's Fellowship Hall where they look forward to greeting Don's many cherished friends.
Don will be laid to rest in the Bethel Cemetery in Mt. Holly during a private family burial service under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home. Don's grandsons, great nephew Aaron Impson, and lifelong family friend, Mike Mullins, will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be made to Central Baptist Church, 207 West Union, Magnolia, AR, 71753, or to Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, 9701 West Markham St., Little Rock AR 72205-9934.
The family extends their sincerest appreciation to Dr. Jay Franks and nurses Jennifer and Mandy for their devoted care which enabled Don to keep doing what he loved in the final decades of his life – be it on his lawnmower, tractor, or in his 1986 GMC truck. The family also thanks the entire team of Lifetouch Hospice, especially Jennifer Ray, for their compassionate and expert care in Don's final months of life.
Don lived and shared his faith to the fullest, loved and provided for his family beyond measure, and left every farm he visited and every person he met knowing he genuinely cared for all creatures great and small, be they with four legs or two.