Donald D. Wooten, 82, of Hot Springs, passed away Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.  Preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Josephine Wooten; brother, Basil; and sister, Joyce.

In 1947, Don was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas, with the 24th Infantry Division. In later parts of 1949, he served his country in Japan with the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.

During the Korean War, Don was mobilized with the 19th Infantry Regiment that took part in the battle of Klum River, which lasted three days. At the Pusan Perimeter, his unit took part in the constant battle to maintain a base in southern Korea. He served with a 4.2 inch Mortar Unit.

Over the course of 21 years, Don proudly served his country through the United States Army and the Air force. In 1975, Wooten retired from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy where he taught many aspects of law enforcement, specializing in firearms training at the Academy, along with different locations around the state. In 1994, he retired as Chief of Police for the Hot Spring Village Sheriffs Department. Don was also an active member with the Hot Springs Village VFW Honor Guard.

His loving survivors include his wife, Roberta Wooten, of Hot Springs, two daughters, Ramona Crain (Steve), of Camden, and Donna Wooten Jackson, of Hot Springs; one son, Thomas L. Wooten, DVM, of Fayetteville; six grandchildren along with six great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Don will be remembered as a wonderful man of honor and integrity, whose family meant the world to him. He will be truly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Hot Springs Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. before the service.

Honorary pallbearers are Lance Ragsdale, Jack Dobbs, Tommy Norman, Bo Diggs, Austin Crain, Tim Griffin, Steve Crain and Jason Vicars.

Military honors will be by the Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or Wounded Warriors.

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.

Published: 10/14/2012