Don Claunch, 78, of Russellville, passed on June 14, 2025.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Marilyn Claunch, wife of 32 years; Laurel Ann Marie Bussman and David Bussman, children; Grace Bussman, daughter-in-law; Caleb, Edith, Isaac, Ethan, Benjamin Bussman, grandchildren; Reggie Claunch, Katrina Harrison, Gaylena Rhodes Long, sisters-in-law; Elizabeth Kennedy, mother-in-law; Kathy Claunch, Jennifer Cornelius (Scot), Shyloh Stringer (Sean), Sophie Dash (Abhilash), nieces; Jeff Claunch, nephew; Roberta Richardson, cousin…and a host of friends!
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Etoile Claunch; his brothers, John Claunch and Robert Claunch (Edith).
Don’s memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm and the service follows at 7:00 pm. All are held at the church. Spry Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Don Claunch was an amazing “Trooper” in his struggle with pancreatic cancer. His attitude was “live like you are living,” so there were many precious times, even during his illness. His FAITH in GOD remained STEADFAST. His prayers of PRAISE, around the table at home, were humbling and beautiful!
His family is thankful for the wonderful legacy of faith that Don is leaving!
“Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable,
One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:3-4
Don Claunch was a man at peace with God who could embrace the simple pleasures of life: sitting on the back porch sipping lemonade…while watching the hummingbirds at his feeders and other birds in the maple trees, working in his flower and vegetable gardens, hiking in nature areas, and especially attending church and spending time with his family. He was very devoted to his wife, Marilyn, and a loving example to Ann Marie, David and Grace, and the precious grandchildren. He had an especially close relationship with his niece, Kathy, like a big brother. Don loved his family and friends.
Most of all, Don is respected for his strong faith in God and his example of truly LIVING the Christian life. He had a tremendous capacity to love. He was known for his warm smile, his kindness to others, and for being a “Southern gentleman.” As stated by Oswald Chambers: We are meant “to be seen as
the everyday essence of ordinary life EXHIBITING the MIRACLE OF GOD’S GRACE.”
One of Don’s favorite verses (Philippians 4:8) reveals his heart’s desire to exhibit God’s grace in his own life; please read.
Even in the illnesses that Don faced, he never let go of his knowledge of God’s unchanging character: the God of great love, who sent His own Son to die in our place. Don’s greatest joy would be to point you to Jesus, as revealed in Isaiah 53:5-6: “But He (referring to Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes
we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.” Don lived in the knowledge of God’s grace!
Don’s family wants to thank you for the love poured out to them: all the prayers, cards, phone messages, and every gift of kindness! They are truly grateful! Your attendance at Don’s funeral would bring them great joy!
