Little Rock, Ar. - Donald Berry Flegal (Don), 80, of Little Rock, passed away May 26, 2026, surrounded by family after an extended battle with cancer that he bravely fought for several years.

Born September 13, 1945 to Fred Manley and Beulah Mae Flegal, Don spent his childhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan, attending Oakwood Elementary, Oakwood Junior High, and Loy Norrix High, where he graduated in 1964. He received his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in 1968 and went on to serve his country in Vietnam later that year. He spent the majority of his professional life directing various human resources departments including the city of Kalamazoo, Oklahoma City, the University of Oklahoma, and the city of Little Rock.

Don loved to live both fast and slow. He loved to race cars, winning the Midwest SCCA Championship in 1981. Skiing was another source of adrenaline and joy, and he even had the excitement of practicing skiing with the US Olympic Team one week! He also enjoyed going for sails on his sailboat and fly fishing in quiet rivers. He made excellent stuffing, pies, and whipped cream, and was always happy to help when meals were needed for large family gatherings. Don was an active listener, and his perceptive advice helped guide many people through difficult decisions. He was kind, encouraging, and always supportive. Family used to joke that Don had nine lives, including surviving a train crash, a helicopter crash, a near drowning, a fall off a ladder, and a chain saw incident. Through it all he maintained a sense of humor and a vivacity for life.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Janet, and their children, Maddie and Connor, of whom he could not be more proud. He is also survived by his brother Ron (June) Flegal. Marci (Robert) Sherburn and Marcus (Jamie) Weatherall, though in-laws, were truly family to him. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as Dario Fiscale, his former foreign exchange student who became like family. He also cherished many close friendships throughout his life, but he shared especially deep bonds with Tony Bozinski, Steve Harralsen and Frank Holmes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Beulah Flegal; his sister, Marilyn Higgins; and his nephew, Bruce Flegal.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joseph Beck and the staff of St. Vincent Cancer Center, as well as Dr. Dean Kumpuris and the hospice staff at Lifetouch Health, for the loving compassion and exceptional care they provided to Don throughout his extended illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Little Rock Animal Village, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of life is scheduled for June 8, 2026 at Hill Station, 2712 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, Ar. from 4-6PM.