Donald O'Dell Fletcher

Donald O’Dell Fletcher, 84, of Paragould, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. He was born July 2, 1933, to David and Farrah Fletcher in Paragould. Donald was a lifelong resident of Paragould and a member of the First Baptist Church. After high school, he enrolled at Arkansas State University, but he put his educational goals on hold to serve his country in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War as a combat photographer. After returning home, he completed his business administration and history degree in 1958. Donald worked for the Big Picture Newspaper and then for the Paragould Daily press as a reporter and photojournalist. In his spare time, he enjoyed doing wedding photography. After 18 years at the Paragould Daily Press, he owned and operated a residential rental business. Donald was a loving husband and wonderful father who will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Opal Smith; and brother, Loy Fletcher.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Mary Fletcher; son and fiancé, Brian J. Fletcher and Jennifer Ridings of Paragould; stepson, Dennis Murphy of Macon, Georgia; daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth and Tim McDaniel of Paragould, Laura and Chris Lezovich of Huntington Woods, MI; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Private services will be held under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home.

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