Donald Clayton Charlan, called Don or Donnie by his family and friends, and Rockman by his fishing buddies, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 7, 2022, at his home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Don was 75 years old and had been suffering from congestive heart failure for over thirty years. However, Don was a strong believer in Christ and throughout his life, his faith never wavered. He never hesitated in talking about God, politics, and fish with anyone and everyone he met. Don never met a stranger.

Don was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 28, 1947, to his parents, Marion Palmer Charlan Horvath and Clarence Charlan. He lived in Warren, Michigan much of his life, eventually moving to Arizona where he spent most of his time fishing and raising his girls, whom he loved dearly.

Don received his GED while serving in the army but liked to say he was educated by the school of hard knocks. He was a very accomplished fisherman and loved sharing his skills and knowledge with many friends. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his older brother, George; younger brother, Marty; nephew, Timothy Thorpe; and former brother-in-law, Chuck Thorpe.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; three daughters, Lisa Fowler and fiancé, Nate, from Storyville, Iowa, Nichole Mendoza and husband, Tony, from Verde Valley, Arizona and Sonya Yilmaz and husband, Bela from Bella Vista, Arkansas; older sister, Beverly Breiss; nieces, Jill, Katie, Tanya, Chrissy, and Elise; nephews, David, Sheldon, Michael, Everett, Colby, and Ryan; four grandchildren, Alayna Fowler-Newman (Albert), Justyn Chase (Brittany), Liam, and Evan; four great granddaughters, Olivia, Brinley, Emery, and Lilliana. He was extremely proud of his family and one his greatest joys was looking at pictures of his great granddaughters who lived in Iowa and Arizona. His one big regret was not being able to visit with the little girls one last time.

In accordance with Don's wishes, there will be no funeral; however, a Celebration of Life is planned for family and friends in January at Lake Pleasant in Arizona, Don's favorite fishing hole.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.