Donald J Arber

Donald James Arber, a devoted man of God, loving father, and proud military veteran, passed away in the early hours of Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was with his son, Jimmy Arber, by his side at the time of his peaceful home-going. He was 87 years old.

Donald was born on January 9, 1938, in Electra, Texas, to the late Homer Pleasant Arber and Stella Mae (Ward) Arber. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Peggy Martin and Wanda Hodges.

Donald was a man who served his country with honor. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958, where he served for over three decades, retiring in 1991. Throughout his military career, he earned numerous medals and awards for his service in overseas conflicts. He was responsible for communications in the 507th Tactical Air Control Wing.

In addition to his service in the military, Donald was passionate about radio and television. As a young man in Electra, he built his own illegal radio station to play music locally. His talent and drive were soon recognized, and a state-elected official honored him by helping make his station legal. Donald pursued a degree in Broadcast Engineering from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and later attended Air Force College, expanding his knowledge in advanced communications. After his military career, he ran radio stations KGRI and KWRD in Henderson, Texas, for several years.

Donald was also deeply involved in ministry and the church. He spent many years serving at Arp Assembly of God in Arp, Texas, where he was actively involved in various church activities, including teaching, ministering, and music. He even took part in televised ministry. His love for God was profound, and his greatest desire was to go to Heaven and to encourage others to put God first in all things.

Donald was married to Louise Lovick Arber for 58 years, until her passing in 2019. Together, they raised their daughter, Mary Coward, and sons, Jimmy Arber and Tracy Morgan. Donald also cherished his grandchildren, Paul Coward Jr., Danny Coward, Philip Coward, Tommy Coward, Jacob Coward, Christopher Arber, and Aaron Arber.

In his later years, Donald founded a world-wide ministry called Christian Television Productions (CTP TV). He also formed a ministry band in the 60’s and 70’s called “The Examples,” traveling the East Coast in their own tour bus. The band, consisting of Donald on the piano, Junior Riggs on bass, and Sandra Wilkes as lead vocalist, performed alongside renowned groups like the Gaither’s and the Florida Boys. Donald also ministered to nursing homes in East Texas, sharing his love for God and his passion for music.

Funeral services for Donald James Arber will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Arp Assembly of God Church in Arp, Texas. Services are under the direction of Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home in Overton, Texas.

Donald’s family and church family will remember him as a man who was faithful, loving, and always willing to serve others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

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