Col. Donald Lee Sears (Ret'd.)

Colonel (retired) Donald L. Sears, 85, joined the Lord’s army on April 4, 2025 leaving nothing behind but valuable lessons and fond memories with all who have known him.

His impactful journey on this earth began August 27, 1939 in Hanford, California. Just three months after his birth, his parents Andrew Sears and Dahlia Lipe Sears boarded a train and returned to Greene County, Arkansas with their two children and a few necessary items in tow. Colonel Sears grew up in the farming community of Halliday, Arkansas. He graduated with honors from Marmaduke High School in 1957, persevering through the lack of educational resources around him.

Colonel Sears began his military career in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1960, enlisted in the Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery. He quickly progressed through the enlisted ranks to the grade of Staff Sergeant to Chief Warrant Officer 2. He was accepted to and excelled in the Arkansas Military Academy, leading to his commission as the Class of 1971 Distinguished Honor Graduate.

In 1972, Second Lieutenant Sears pursued even more military education, earning many achievements: Commandant's List, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab upon completion of the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Basic Airborne Course, and the Army Ranger School, respectively. His first assignment was platoon leader and detachment commander with Headquarters Company, 875th Engineer Battalion, and at the brigade level of the 87th Troop Command. He also held many high-ranking positions as full-time staff of the State Headquarters of the Arkansas National Guard.

He shined in other military courses including Infantry Officer Basic, Engineer Officer Advanced, Nuclear/Biological & Chemical Officer Course, Air/Ground Battle Staff Operations School, Airborne School, Infantry Pre-Command Course, Professional Military Comptroller School, Basic Federal Contracting Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from the University of New York State.

From 1978-1979, he served as the 38th President of the National Guard Association of Arkansas (NGAA). Colonel Sears achieved the rank of colonel on July 30, 1990. He was awarded over 10 awards and decorations throughout his time with the Arkansas Army National Guard. After 39 years of distinguished military service, he retired in 1999. Upon retirement, he continued his service as the Executive Director of the NGAA until 2010.

Colonel Sears is credited with providing the vision to grow and expand the former National Guard Association of Arkansas Insurance Trust into the Arkansas National Guard Foundation, which serves the Soldiers, Airmen, dependents, veterans, and Survivors of the Arkansas National Guard. He was a member of the National Guard Association of the United States, the Arkansas Society of Association Executives, the Faulkner County Executive Association, and the Paragould Airport Commission. In 2024, Colonel Sears was awarded the inaugural Major General Harold Gwatney Award for Military Service from the Arkansas National Guard Foundation.

He spent his spare time watching Razorback football and basketball, as well as NASCAR. Of his countless memorable quotes, Colonel Sears consistently lived his life following his idea of the “‘6-P-Principle:’ Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.”

Colonel Sears is survived by his wife of 43 years Colonel (retired) Mary Frances “Frankie” Sears; his sister Betty Presson; his children Todd Sears, Nichole (Cash) Tomlinson, Roni (Larry) Bowman; his grandchildren Justin (Nicole) Bowman, Kaitlyn Williams, Savannah Sears, Sterling Sears, Nicholas Williams, Rylie Tomlinson; one great-granddaughter Samantha Bowman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Park on the River. Park on the River is located at 11903 Crystal Hill Rd. Maumelle, AR 72113. A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery (1501 W Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72120). Please, refrain from sending flowers; instead, send memorial contributions to the Arkansas National Guard Foundation Scholarship Fund: https://www.angf.us/don-sears-scholarship/

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.