Donald Steven Vowell

Donald (Don) Steven Vowell, 58, of the Pleasant Valley community, passed away on April 21, 2026. He was born in Tampa, Florida to the late James and Nancy (Brewer) Vowell on August 23, 1967. He graduated from the University of Tampa with a bachelor’s degree and later earned his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas.

Don enlisted as an ROTC cadet at the University of Tampa in 1985. He served proudly in the United States Army Reserves and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama in September of 1989. He served with distinction rising to the rank of Captain with the U.S. Army Reserve 431st Civil Affairs Unit. He served on active duty in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait in the first Gulf War in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991. He later served in support of U.S. Army Operations in Panama in 1993 and 1995. He went on to serve in Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in 1996 and 1997.

In civilian life, Don was employed for 31 years at Kimberly – Clark Corporation in Conway, first as a financial analyst before moving to an operations team leader. He finished his career at K-C as Safety and Environmental Manager. He and his safety co-worker, Sandy Norwood, worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of their fellow employees and earning the facility numerous safety achievement awards. Don also enjoyed teaching part-time in the PACE program at Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas.

In his leisure time Don loved traveling in his RV with his wife, Sherry. He especially enjoyed road trips to watch Razorback football and spent countless weekends with friends at Road Hog Park in Fayetteville, watching football, baseball, and softball games.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jim Vowell; sister, Deborah McCurry; nephew, Tony Robinson; and his favorite uncle, W.O. (Bill) Turner.

Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sherry Nixon Vowell; brother, Richard Vowell; sisters-in-law, Kim Vowell, Wilma (Bill) Robinson, and Kathy (Rick) Watson; aunt, Ann Turner; and numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and most recently, great -great nieces and nephews.

Per family request; in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project (Wounded Warrior Project - Donate) in memory of Don. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 27 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.