Donald Dent Vining Sr

In loving memory we announce that Donald Dent Vining Sr., 96 years old, passed away peacefully at his home on September 25, 2024. He was born on April 28, 1928, in Eudora, Arkansas, to Thomas E. Vining and Maud Edmonson Vining. Don married Peggy Caudle in 1948 and was just days short of their 69th anniversary at her death in 2017. 

Don is survived by four of his five children: Suzanne Kunkel of Little Rock, Vicky Crawley (Ron) of Benton, Donald D. Vining Jr. of Little Rock and Cheri Hayes of Little Rock; brother Bill Vining of Arkadelphia; brother in law Larry Griffin of Merritt Island, Florida; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy, daughter Kathy DeLone, sister Ruth Young, half-brothers Robert and TC Vining, half-sister Josephine Standifer, sons-in-law John Kunkel and Herb DeLone, sister-in-laws Betty Caudle Griffin and Patsy Caudle Wells, brother-in-law Joe Wells.

 A dedicated Navy veteran, Don served as a Seaman First Class at the end of World War II. He enlisted at the young age of 17 and served on the Navy Ship LST 803, which operated as a utility ship in the Western Pacific. Don was honored for his service with a Quilt of Valor from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and his stories were preserved in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. Prior to enlisting in the Navy, Don rode his Harley to The University of Alabama where he played football and acquired his private pilot's license. Upon his return from the U.S. Navy, he attended North East Junior College, LSU Monroe LA, and married shortly after. 

Don and family spent the early years in Eudora, Memphis, Monticello, and Nashville before settling in Little Rock. The majority of his career was management in the automotive/tire industry which led to opening his own business. In 1981 he established Don Vining’s Quik-Lube &10 Minute Oil Change Center. The Quik Lube was the first family owned fast oil change centers in Little Rock, with current locations open on Asher Avenue and Geyer Springs Road, now owned and operated by his son, Don Vining Jr.

Don was known as “Mr. Fix-it”. He was a self-taught computer guru, small engine repairman, and a master at rebuilding old Volkswagen Beetles, providing each of his 5 children with their first car. He was known as “Steady RIder” to the CB community and after retirement he became an avid HAM radio operator. He found joy in connecting with people from all corners of the world, sharing stories and fostering friendships through the airwaves. Don cherished leisure time with family and friends flying his tri-pacer, camping and boating and teaching all how to water ski. Don’s lifelong dream of attending the world’s largest air show, EAA AirVenture at OshKosh, Wisconsin, was realized in 2023.The highlight for him was the night airshow and fabulous firework finale. While a resident at the Arkansas State Veterans Home, he mastered the art of pen making in the Veteran’s Wood Turning Program and delighted in presenting family and friends with his special ball point pens and keychains. 

Don’s legacy lives on through his family, known as PaPa to his 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild: Kari Kunkel Anderson (Brent: Clayton, Mia, James, Misty Rivera(Angel: great-great-grandchild Anakin), J. Wesley Kunkel Jr., Kelly Orr (Tony: Jillian, Chance), Melody DeLone, Natalie DeLone Melvin (Brock), Jason Crawley (Austin, Olivia, Emily), Jennifer Crawley Maune (Brian: Bennett, Landon, Julianna, Warren, Vivian, Everett), Sarah Crawley Sharp (Thomas: Ruby, Violet), Gregory Hayes, Nicholas Hayes (Jasmine), and Christopher Hayes (Elizabeth: Steele, Stetson). 

Don was baptized as a young man at Eudora Baptist Church and was currently a member at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Don will be remembered for his service to his country, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his love for his family. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Monday 10/7 at 5:00-7:00 pm at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. Little Rock, AR 72205. Family, friends, and others whose lives Don touched are invited to attend. A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72120.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veteran’s Wood Turning Project CAVHS (135/NLR), 2200 Fort Roots Drive, NLR, AR 72114. https://airambition.betterworld.org/donate, Granddaughter Amelia Anderson’s nonprofit created to mentor, inspire, encourage, educate, and provide future scholarships for young aviators.