Donald Royce Ferneau

Donald Royce Ferneau Sr., aged 88, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on June 11, 2024. Born in Tama, Iowa, on January 24, 1936, Don lived a beautiful and dedicated life filled with love.

Don was married to the love of his life, Lindy Miller Ferneau. Together, they raised five wonderful children: Michael (married to Kelly), Lisa (married to Ray), Ron (and partner Eliza), Donald Jr. (married to Meaghan), and Jeffrey (married to Loren). He was an incredibly proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren and great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren.

One of his proudest accomplishments was his devoted service in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1962. He also had a 37-year career as a machinist with Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked until his retirement in 2001. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication and was respected by colleagues and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lindy Ferneau, his children and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Fred, his sister, Margaret, and his granddaughter, Lindsay.

Don was known for his warm, yet sarcastic personality and immeasurable ability to connect with everyone he met, never once meeting a stranger. His sense of humor was unmatched; often turning everyday moments into songs by adding a tune to a simple statement, and singing it aloud. He was also known for his impeccable driving, famously the only person on Arkansas roads who drove "correctly," and his insatiable need to keep his treasured truck clean. Don wanted to see every picture exclaiming “Let’s see!” cherishing memories and moments shared with his loved ones.

Some of Don's favorite memories were spent grilling with family and friends on weekends, fixing things “just enough” to get them in working condition, and fishing on the river with his boys. He was a collector of all things, especially tools, and a big fan of WWE wrestling. One of his favorite pastimes was selling Ferneau Seasoning at the Little Rock River Market, where he enjoyed connecting with his regular customers, or should we more lovingly say, friends. He also had a special place in his heart for his many Boston terriers, ensuring their favoritism by feeding them food scraps off the dinner table.

Don's quirks made him all the more special. He loved to read the National Inquirer and often brought up the most uncomfortable topics at the most inopportune of times, much to the amusement of those around him. Despite these quirks, his willingness to help his family and his great sense of humor made him loved and appreciated by all.

Don would want to be remembered for his overwhelming love for his family, especially his grandchildren. His legacy will be the strong, loving family he helped build with Lindy, and his ability to bring stability, joy, and laughter into the lives of his seemingly endless network of family and friends.

A visitation to honor Don’s life will be held on Friday, June 14, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Highway 107) with a memorial service following at 3:00 PM. Family, friends, and those whose lives Don touched are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity benefiting the research/patients of Parkinson’s Disease, or an animal charity of your choice, in memory of Donald Royce Ferneau Sr. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith  Sherwood Funeral Home.