Don Charles Kandlbinder

Charles Donald Kandlbinder, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away March 22, 2026. He was born in Salem, Missouri on April 14, 1931 to Elsie and Oscar Kandlbinder. Known as Don, he graduated from Salem High School and attended the University of Missouri. Prior to entering the Air Force during the Korean War, he worked tirelessly with his dad who was the owner of Meremac Oil Company, which provided gas and fuel oil in the Dent County area. Don was a member of the Salem Masonic Lodge, Oddfellows and Jaycees. He and his family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1966 where he took a position as an auditor for Sunray DX Oil. He then spent twenty years as Office Manager for Little Rock Tool Service where he enjoyed being a valued part of a business he loved until his retirement in 1996.

Don was predeceased by his parents Oscar and Elsie Kandlbinder, wife Norma of 48 years, his sister Evelyn Claire, and his son Don Charles Kandlbinder. He is survived by his son Gary and wife Stacey, stepdaughter Norma Jean Romeo husband Joe, grandchildren James Kandlbinder, Erin King, Vince and Gina Romeo, and his great-grandchildren Alexis Larakers husband James, Katherine Kandlbinder, Stephen Kandlbinder, Eleanor and Diana King.

Don received great pleasure from watching his family grow and develop into productive citizens. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were especially important to him though they lived much of the time in other parts of the state. He always wanted the best for them and from them. His favorite pastimes were traveling across the country with his wife, sister and husband Tom Claire and spending time R'ving in Branson while trout fishing. In his younger days he enjoyed going to the lake and cruising on their party barges.

We are thankful for his faith and hope for Heaven. Don was "the rock" of the family that we could all could go to for wisdom. He believed in integrity, conservative principles, and that our nation should be led by people that know right from wrong. He did not like hypocritical people and made no claims the he was perfect, but he strived to lead the family in patriotic and integrous ways. We will miss him terribly but know that we will have but a short time before joining him with our Lord.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery (1501 W Maryland Ave).