Mr. J.D. Vaught
Mr. Jesse Donald Vaught, known far and wide as J.D., passed peacefully from this life on Monday, December 26, 2022. J.D. passed away after having attained the age of eighty-two years, at home in Horatio with his children and grandchildren by his side

J.D. was born the fourth of six children to Felbert Ollie and Bertie Mae Miller Vaught on January 30, 1940, in Battiest, Oklahoma. He was a 1958 graduate of Gillham High School, and on December 24, 1958, he married the love of his life, Linda Lee Whisenhunt, in Gillham. To this union, four children were born. J.D. began work clearing rite-of-ways in the area before purchasing the family farm in Grannis in 1963. Here, J.D. and Linda began what would become a faith-filled life of family, farming, and fellowship. In 1970, J.D. and family moved to Horatio to continue the family farm. Over the years, J.D. raised cattle, hogs, chickens, sheep, horses, and mules, and enjoyed hunting, occasionally fishing, antique trucks, and collecting land for future generations. He served on a number of boards and organizations, including Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Horatio School Board, and Sevier County Quorum Court. J.D. was also instrumental in founding the Pork Producer's Association and Grannis Trail Riders. J.D. founded the second contract hog farm in Southwest Arkansas and was always willing to share his knowledge and experiences with new and experienced farmers of our area and beyond. Born from his willingness to help and advise others, J.D. will be posthumously inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame on March 3, 2023. J.D. best spent his time with his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of over fifty years, Linda Lee Vaught; one sister, Sue Guire; and one infant brother, Jerry Delton Vaught.

J.D. leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Carla Vaught of Mena; three sons and daughters-in-law, Joey and Lori Vaught, Jon and DeAnn Vaught, and Jason and Emilee Vaught, all of Horatio; seven grandchildren, Jade Chandler (Japheth) May, Caitlan Vaught, Brittanee (Cameron) Hankins, Shyann (Will) Jacobs, Josie (Tyler) Miller, Tanner (Alexandra) Vaught, and Ryan Vaught; nine great-grandchildren, Rylee, Avah, Jace, Jarett, Annalee, Jon Paul, J.T., Levi, and Eloise; his siblings, Ruby Emerson of Texarkana, Felton (Carolyn) Vaught of Gillham, and Shirley Wells of Grannis; as well as a number of cousins, special nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. J.D. Vaught will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, December 30, 2022, in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jerry Hill and Minister David Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow at Old Center Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Thursday, at the funeral home. You may leave a condolence online at www.chandlerfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Chandler Funeral Home of De Queen. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the J.D. and Linda Vaught Memorial Scholarship, c/o Horatio State Bank.