Obituaries

Donald Lee Eifling

Photo of Donald  Lee Eifling
Donald Lee Eifling, born February 20, 1923 to William Eifling and Susan Beatrice Henderson Eifling, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Donald was a 1940 graduate of DeWitt High School. His first job out of high school was helping a neighbor clear new ground, a job in which he wore boots and stood in water swinging an axe for a dollar a day. He simply quit and devoted his time to hunting. Donald farmed with his dad until 1943 when he began employment with the Stuttgart Army Air Base, installing engines in Advanced Trainer planes. He started farming for himself at the end of World War II. Donald married Louise Hedge December 3, 1946. One son was born to this union. In 1952 Donald bought Grassy Lake Farm and lived in Grady the remainder of his life. Through the years, he added additional acreage to his farming operation. In 1968 Rice Farming Magazine selected Donald Eifling as Rice Farmer of the Year after a national contest in which the editors studied scores of the very best rice operations across the country. Donald is a long-time member of the Grady United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Grady Lions Club, a member of the Cummins Drainage Board, and a 32nd Degree Mason. On May 13, 1989 Donald married Betty Gean (Gunnell) Mash. Donald loved God, loved his family, loved music, loved roses, loved duck hunting and loved his fellow-man. Preceding Donald in death were his parents; his brothers, Howard Eifling, William Eifling, James Eifling and Samuel Eifling; and sisters, Wanda Jean Eifling and Dortha Eifling Hudson. Survivors include his wife, Betty Gean Eifling; son, Donald Lynn Eifling (Martha Jo); granddaughter, Lynne Eifling Franks (Hayden); grandson, Clayton Lee Eifling (Samantha); great-granddaughters, Emily Franks and Kaylee Eifling; and great-grandsons, Harrison Franks and Chance Eifling. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, March 25, 2016 at Grady United Methodist Church, with visitation at 9 a.m., just prior to the service. Graveside service with interment will be at 2 p.m. March 25, 2016, at Shiloh United Methodist Church and Cemetery, Crocketts Bluff, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grady United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 267, Grady, Arkansas 71644; Shiloh Cemetery Association, 510 West 10th Street, Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160; or charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements were handled by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors (online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com).

Published March 24, 2016

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