PEA RIDGE — Donald B. Guthrie, 82, of Pea Ridge, died Thursday, Sept. 17, at his home. He was born in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, on Nov. 6, 1926, to Ollie and Bessie Guthrie.

He graduated from Mt.

Ayr High School and joined the U.S. Navy in November of 1944, serving the Pacific Theater aboard an LST in the amphibious forces.

Don was married Virginia Lee (Beasley) Guthrie Feb. 11, 1945. He entered the printing business and in 1956 purchased a pet magazine where he was editor and publisher until he sold it in 1972. Don, Virginia and his son incorporated Small Stock industries in 1975 and he served as president until his retirement in 1991.

Don and Virginia owned a condo in Orange Beach, Ala., for several years and enjoyed the beach and entertaining family and friends there.

Don was preceded in death by Virginia, his wife of 62 years, in February 2008.

Survivors include his two children, Ginny Smith of Pea Ridge and L.D. and Alesia Guthrie of Bentonville, Ark.; five grandchildren and their spouses, Todd and Amy Smith of Rogers, Scott and Lisa Coleman of Panama City, Fla., Scotty and Kim Limore of Jane, Mo., Randy and Crystal Sandford of Pea Ridge and Jesse Sandford of Springdale, Ark.; and 11 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Hannah, Emery, Xaviree, Jhavon, Joshua, Juanda, Lindsey, Kyle, Riley and Katelynn.

The family held a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Veterans memorial.

Cremation arrangements were by Sisco Funeral Home of Pea Ridge.

Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.

On the Record, Pages 3 on 09/23/2009