Donald Lee Coget, who resided near Paris, Arkansas, died Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at his home. He was born on May 1, 1938, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to the late Louis Coget and Vivian (Day) Coget. He passed away one day short of his 86th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Donald Louis Coget; and his brother, Dan Coget.

Don was a 20 year retired U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran. He worked 18 years at the University of Arkansas Research Education Department in Fayetteville and was very active in the Exchange Club. Don was educated having three college degrees in which education was a big part of his life. He loved his family very much and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Don was a Christian and was of the Baptist faith.

A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 3rd at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with the Rev. Bill VanMeter officiating. All services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Effie Jane (Phillips) Coget; two sons, Phillip Coget and wife Cindy of Ozark and Steve "Beaver" Coget and wife Michelle of Paris; one sister, Pat Courtney of Dyer, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Benjamin Coget, Chris Coget, Josh Coget, Paul Wayne Stinson, Luke Carr, Andrew Stubblefield and Shane Dillard.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home in Charleston.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.