David Chitwood

David Warren Chitwood, age 81, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, passed peacefully from this life at his home with his family on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. No doubt, the angels will love him as much as we do; because David was a good man, and he will be remembered as wise, intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and caring.  David was born on February 21, 1944, in Alexandria, Louisiana, the son of Warren and Anna Loyce (Roberts) Chitwood, while his dad was in the Army serving on active duty. He grew up in Hot Springs, attending Central Baptist Church while actively participating in school and community events. David was a proud graduate of Hot Springs High School, Class of 1962, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ouachita Baptist University in 1967.

During his 28-years as an educator at Arkadelphia Public Schools, David first taught high school science and later taught junior high math. For the last fifteen of those years, David was also a Park Ranger at DeGray Lake driving after school to work nights, weekends, and summers part-time. After retiring from teaching, David worked sixteen more years as a full-time Park Ranger at DeGray Lake until retiring in 2013.  Golfing and fishing with his friends were David’s favorite past-times; he loved to fish, and he was better than the average golfer. Photography was not just a hobby for him, as he was involved in art shows, displaying interesting and breathtaking photos. A love of animals brought many beloved dogs and cats into his heart and home. Being a Razorback fan was serious business for David as he listened to or watched games while exchanging texted exclamations with his friends.

Those left to cherish David’s memory and mourn his loss are his wife of 40 years, Lynelle; Cristi Watts of Waxahachie TX, the daughter he loved and raised as his own; grandchildren Julie and Drew Zahrndt of Waxahachie; brother John Chitwood of Hot Springs, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, David’s sister Polly Anne Bryant, of Lonoke, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., December 18, at Welch Funeral Home (202 South 4 th Street) with visitation preceding the service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Clark County (P. O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, AR 71923) or to Lighthouse Ministries (P.O. Box 396, Arkadelphia, AR 71923), or to a charity of your choice.

Appreciation is extended to Elite Hospice, brother John, daughter Cristi, and special friends Mary, Linda, and Melissa for support and end-of-life care.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia, http://www.welchfh.net.