Donald Edward Christian

Donald Edward “Don” Christian of Little Rock died peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, surrounded by family. Don was born in Fayetteville, AR, on August 23, 1935. He was the son of Margaret and Carroll Dodson “CD” Christian.

Don grew up in Searcy and was a proud Searcy Lion. He excelled in sports in high school and was offered a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas where he lettered in Razorback football in 1955, 1956 and 1957. Don was a member of the Razorback Letterman’s Club (or A Club) since its inception and, while serving as president, was instrumental in the building of the first two stages of the Letterman’s Club and Recruit Room at War Memorial Stadium. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2013. He remained a loyal fan throughout his life and, at the time of his death, was the oldest living Razorback quarterback. He was also a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity and remained close to many brothers all his life.

After graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration, Don served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. After active duty, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of captain.

Don spent 20 years with a family-owned business in North Little Rock and then entered the world of investment banking. He was proud to represent Stephens Inc. as a senior vice president in the Private Client Group for 30 years before his retirement in 2017.

Don was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral since 1958, serving on the Vestry as Junior Warden. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock (Club 99) for nearly 50 years, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served on the board of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame for 25 years, including two years as president.

Don enjoyed many hobbies. He read at least one book per week and was an avid coin collector. In his younger years, he hunted ducks and deer and loved it all. He was a longtime member of the Country Club of Little Rock, and golf was a passion. He had many friends, and most of those friendships were formed on either a football field or a golf course. He will be missed by many.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim Christian. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pam Daniel Christian; sons Dodson Christian (Kelle) and Andrew Christian (Mona); daughter Sheffield Duke (David); and stepdaughter Allison Caldarera (Keith), all of Little Rock. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sheffield Coulter (Ben), Riley Connick (Brendan), William Christian, Josie and Abby Caldarera, and Cody Kendall, as well as his great-grandchildren James, Sheffield and Luke Coulter, and Duke and Lander Connick.

The family would like to thank Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Arkansas Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on August 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the church. 

Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, Little Rock, AR 72206, or First Tee of Arkansas, 1 First Tee Way, Little Rock, AR 72204.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com