Donald "Donnie" Ray Marks

Donnie was born on October 27, 1937 in North Little Rock, to his parents, William Thomas Marks and June Laughlin Marks. He was raised by his maternal grandmother, Fern Laughlin, in Smackover. He graduated from Smackover High School in 1955. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Los Angeles from 1955-57 and retired from the El Dorado Post Office where he served as Branch President of the NALC until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Smackover First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother, James Thomas Marks; half-brother, Tommy Marks; step-father, Paul Whitten; step-mother, Barbara Marks.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years, Yolanda; two sons, Darrell and Steve; one daughter, Staci Marks Viator; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Marks; one son-in-law, Jerry Viator all of Mauriceville, TX; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015 in the sanctuary of Smackover First United Methodist Church, with the service beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Leon Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Pallbearers are James Richmond, Doug Slaughter, Tim Orr, Neal Greer, Randy Williams, and Terry Varnado. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynnwood Cathey, Herb Darden, George Murphy, Van Martin, and Bruce Harper.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730, or Smackover First United Methodist Church of Smackover, AR.