Don Edsel Brashears, 91, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, May 23rd, surrounded by family.  Don was born in Clear Creek, AR, on October 5, 1932, to Beulah and Austin Brashears.

Don attended New Iberia (LA) high school, and graduated from Malvern (AR) high school in 1950.  He served two years in the Army at Ft. Hood, TX, as a quartermaster before graduating from Arkansas State Teachers College. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.  He established his dental practice in Benton, AR, in 1963, retiring after 43 years.

He was active in community service, including Rotary Club, Toastmasters, the Benton City Council, the Benton School Board, the regional board of Boy Scouts and First United Methodist Church in Benton.  After retirement, he continued to connect with the community through a men's breakfast group who met several times a week at IHOP.  He was known as being a helper to all, taking friends to doctor appointments, maintaining their cars, offering any assistance they may have needed.  For a couple of years he volunteered at a local hospice facility.

Don loved what we would now call 'vintage' cars, especially from the 1930's and 1940's.  He was a member of the Dixie Car Club and the Early Ford V-8 Club.  He had a special interest in fountain pens, collecting an extensive variety.  Don loved to have the newest electronic gadgets, from the Betamax video player to GPS devices to cell phones and accessories, particularly if the device could be added to a vehicle.

His favorite entertainer was Al Jolson.  He would have Al Jolson playing in the car on many road trips, as well as playing on the console at home.  He was a member of 'The Immortal Al Jolson' Facebook page.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Stanley Vrana.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy; his children Alaric DeRousse (Scott) of Dubuque, IA, Julie Harkrider (Cary) of Tulsa, OK, Clay Brashears (Sharon) of Benton, and Amy Vrana of Benton; grandchildren Chelsea Harmon (Kyle), Donna Harkrider (Phil DeCoster), Austin Harkrider, Courtney Myers (Bryan), Bailey Harkrider (Tyler Dohrn), Cassidy Brashears (Stuart Levy), Parker Vrana (Jennifer Love), and Garrett Vrana;  great-grandchildren Colton Lohmann, Lainey Harmon and Logan Harmon; brother Larry Brashears (Linda) of Malvern; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 28th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 29th, at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Benton, followed by burial at Brush Creek Cemetery in Grant County, AR.  Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Benton.

On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.