James Donald "Don" Carman

James “Don” Donald Carman, 83, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, just one day after celebrating his birthday. He was born on May 22, 1943, the seventh of eight children.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a true Christian whose faith guided his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Carman; his son, Tony Carman, and daughter-in-law, Debra Carman; his grandchildren, Josee Carman and Braden Carman, and granddaughter-in-law, Abi Carman; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Charlie Jean Carman. He is also survived by his siblings, Winford Carman, Bobbie Lancaster, Ginger Smith, and Janelle Lapaglia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Arbra Carman; his son, James “Jimmy” Allen Carman; and his siblings, Billy Carman, Jean Speed, and Manuel Carman.

Don was known for his strong work ethic and dedication throughout his life. From a young age, he worked alongside his father on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He later proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he worked in maintenance roles before dedicating over 30 years to the Benton Services Center, where he faithfully served until his retirement.

A man of many talents and interests, Don enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, writing stories, and spending time outdoors. He had a natural gift for working with his hands and a passion for fixing and building. Whether he was gunsmithing, crafting knives, working on CB radios, operating ham radios, or troubleshooting anything that wasn’t working as it should, he took pride in understanding how things worked and making them better. He was someone family and friends could always count on for help, advice, and a steady hand.

Above all, Don will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his hardworking nature, and his deep love for his family and extended family (too numerous to mention). His legacy lives on through the generations he helped raise and the many lives he touched.

Memorials may be made in Don’s honor to the church he worshipped at and loved, Benton First Church of the Nazarene, 1203 W Sevier St, Benton, AR 72015, the Disabled American Veterans, https://help.dav.org/,  or your own church.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.