Donald A. Latourette

Donald Andrew Latourette, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, AR.

Don was born on July 23, 1947 in Jonesboro to Harry and Anna Mae Latourette and was the third born of their eight children.

A 1965 graduate of Jonesboro High School where he ran track, Don continued his education at Georgia Tech where he also ran track for the Yellow Jackets and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Don worked in Houston on large building projects before returning to Jonesboro to join his Father in two of the family businesses; Jonesboro Ready Mix Company and Jonesboro Builder's Supply, eventually purchasing the businesses outright and operating them for many years.  He was very mechanically inclined and could make almost any repair with duct tape alone.

An avid outdoorsman, Don loved to hunt and fish, was active in Duck's Unlimited and was a private pilot who flew his own airplane.  Back in the day he would barefoot water ski.  And laugh, Don always liked to have a good laugh no matter the situation.

Don also was quite the cook who made great pies and contended that his BBQ sauce was renowned across the northeast AR region.  The sauce was dubbed "Don's #109" after it was learned that his sauce came in 109th out of 110 sauces at a competition.

A defining trait of Don's was his big heart.  Don loved to help people.

A long time supporter and activist for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, Don helped organize annual Super Bowl fundraisers with all proceeds going to the hospital.  He would pay for funerals for those short on resources and help those in need of lodging, food, clothing or other necessities.  Don was a good, decent man.

Don is predeceased by his Father, Mother and brothers Charles Pierre "Chuck" Latourette and Alan Louis Latourette.

Survivors are Don's son, Dylan Latourette, brothers Harry Hewes Latourette, Jr. (Gloria) of Milton FL, William Stewart Latourette (Carla) of Poplar Bluff, MO and sisters Mary Ann Garner (Jim) of Cumming, GA, Carol Sue Latourette of Ft. Smith, AR and Elizabeth Ross (Tipton) of New Braunfels, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family invites friends to graveside services for Don on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 10:00 am at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery, 3910 Harrisburg Road.

If you would like to honor Don's memory, the family requests that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.