Donald Samuel Morton Jr., 59, of Des Arc , Arkansas, passed away suddenly on June 18th 2026. Born on December 21, 1966, Donald was the son of Emily Jane Gillespie and Donald Samuel Morton Sr.

Donald was a devoted husband, father, Juju, farmer, businessman, and friend whose life was rooted in faith, family, and service to his community.

On November 24, 1989, Donald married the love of his life, Kelli Bell Morton. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two wonderful children, Cole and Caroline. Donald and Kelli owned and operated Bell's Ag Flying Service, creating a thriving business while serving the agricultural community they loved.

A third-generation rice and soybean farmer, Donald spent his life working alongside his father, brother, son, and nephews. Agriculture was not only his livelihood but his passion. His leadership within the industry was evident through his service on the Arkansas Rice Council, as President of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, and as a member of the Riceland Foods Board of Directors.

Donald was deeply committed to his hometown and community. He faithfully served on the chain gang for Des Arc High School football games and seldom missed an opportunity to cheer on the Eagles from the sidelines.

Above all else, Donald treasured his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking boat rides on the White River, listening to music, and making memories with those he loved most. Known affectionately as "Juju," his grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Donald was preceded in death by his grandparents, Duke and Betty Morton of Des Arc; his grandparents, Willard and Emma Jean Stewart of Des Arc; and his father-in-law, Bobby Bell of Hickory Plains.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Kelli Bell Morton of Des Arc; his son, Cole Morton and wife Lora Morton of Des Arc; and daughter, Caroline Brown and husband Royce Brown of Des Arc.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Abby Morton, Anna Morton, Samuel Morton, and Madeline Morton, children of Cole and Lora Morton; and Blair Brown, daughter of Royce and Caroline Brown.

Donald is further survived by his mother, Emily Jane Gillespie; his father, Donald Samuel Morton Sr. and his wife Sharon Morton; his sister, Jane Ann Brock and husband Keith of Searcy; his brother, Stewart Morton and wife Sunny of Des Arc; his mother-in-law Wilma Greeno and Doug of Weiner; his sister-in-law, Cheri Walker and husband Terry of Russellville; his brother-in-law, Terry Bell of Ward; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

Memorials may be made to Des Arc First United Methodist Church.

Donald leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.