Don Loel Dover

Don Loel Dover of Conway, died Aug. 31, 2014, at the age of 89.
He was the son of Lee and Eva Turner Dover, a resident of Russellville, Ark., for 60 years, and was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; six sisters; and his loving wife of 59 years, Alice Thomason Dover.
Don was a graduate of Russellville High School, Arkansas Tech, and received his master's degree in Special Education from the University of Central Arkansas. He served in the United States Army, four years during WWII, with duty in North Africa and the China-Burma-India Theater. In 1946, he helped reorganize the Russellville National Guard Unit and was employed by the Guard for eight years, then remained a member for 26 years, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer IV. As a civilian, Don was employed by the Russellville School District as teacher, coach and administrator for 28 years. In 1968, he helped establish the MARVA Workshop for the handicapped, serving as charter board member for four years. He also assisted in the establishment of Friendship Services in 1972, where he served on the board as a charter member and first president of the board. After moving to Conway in 1992, Don was an active member of Harlan Park Baptist Church.
Don is survived by his daughter, Janet P. (Patti) Dollar of Conway; his son, Larry Don Dover of Olive Branch, Miss.; granddaughter, Laura Crawford and husband John of Hot Springs, Ark.; grandson, Drew Dover of Olive Branch; two beautiful great-granddaughters, Sophia and Audrey Crawford of Hot Springs; one sister, Jane Gaylor of California; and many nephews, nieces, and wonderful friends.
The family is thankful to many people/organizations who assisted and cared for Dad in the past several months, including the staff of Conway EMS/Fire Dept., Conway Regional Cardiac Rehab, Salem Place Nursing Home, and Gentiva Hospice Care.
Visitation hours are 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, at Harlan Park Baptist Church, 1895 Dave Ward Dr. in Conway.
Burial with full military honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark., will follow at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Harlan Park Baptist Church, American Red Cross, 401 S. Monroe St., Little Rock, AR 72205, or the charity of choice.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com