Donald “Chief” Dean Urioste went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He was 75 years old.

Don was born on February 16, 1951, in Clayton, New Mexico, to Bennie and Mary “Alice” Urioste. He spent much of his childhood with his beloved grandparents, Nettie and Joseph Turrietta, whom he loved dearly. He often shared stories about them with his grandchildren, making sure they knew how much they meant to him.

His family later moved to Boise City, Oklahoma, where Don met the love of his life, Sharon Urioste. Shortly after they met, Don was sent to Vietnam. He feared he might never see Sharon again, but Sharon was determined. She tracked him down, and the two faithfully wrote letters back and forth throughout his deployment. During that time, Don asked Sharon to marry him in a letter he wrote while hiding in a foxhole in the middle of the night. By the grace of God, Don made it out of that foxhole and was able to mail that letter. He returned home from Vietnam a decorated veteran, having been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. On April 17, 1970, Don and Sharon were married, beginning a love story that would last a lifetime.

Sharon was the greatest blessing of Don’s life, and the love they shared was stronger than words could express. Don often said that he prayed every day that God would allow him to live long enough to take care of Sharon, and that prayer was answered. He was known for reminding everyone that your wife is the most important person in your life and that taking care of her was one of life's greatest responsibilities. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Tracey, Steven, and Matthew. They eventually made their home in Pyatt, Arkansas, where they became beloved members of the community.

Don worked for Flexsteel Industries in Harrison, Arkansas, where he built a successful career and retired as the company's Transportation Manager. Outside of work, he discovered another lifelong passion. When a friend asked him to umpire a baseball game, he fell in love with the sport from behind the plate. That one game turned into a remarkable 35-year career as an umpire. He officiated high school, college, church league, and recreational baseball and softball games, earning the nickname "Chief" and eventually being inducted into the Arkansas Umpires Hall of Fame.

More than anything, Don loved investing in young people. The sports community became his second family, and he treated them as such. His legacy stretched across generations, as he had the privilege of umpiring games for parents, then their children. He was an animal lover, a music lover, and especially loved cooking for his family. Don had a servant's heart and was always looking for ways to bless others, often preparing meals and sharing them with family, friends, and anyone in need.

Above all else, Don was a devoted Christian and faithfully served as a Deacon at Pyatt Baptist Church. Even during the final weeks of his life, his faith never wavered. He shared the Gospel with everyone who came through his door, including family, friends, nurses, and doctors. Every day he praised God, thanking Him for the life he had been given and for the countless people with whom God had blessed him.

Don loved his family beyond measure and was immensely proud of each of his children: Tracey (Brad) Thiel, Steven Urioste, and Matthew (Brandy) Urioste. He cherished his grandchildren, Vincent (Karri) Thiel, Heather (Drew) Fitzgerald, Madison (Logan) Reynolds, Nicholas (Hannah) Thiel, and Mariah (Jackson) Kilgore. His greatest joy in his later years was his great-grandchildren, Oliver Fitzgerald, Lawson Fitzgerald, Emmett Thiel, and Ellamae Reynolds. They were the light that brightened his days, especially after the passing of his beloved Sharon. There was nothing that brought a bigger smile to his face than hearing their laughter or watching them play.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Urioste; his parents, Bennie and Mary “Alice” Urioste; and his grandparents, Nettie and Joseph Turrietta.

He is survived by his three children; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his siblings; numerous cousins; and countless friends, fellow umpires, church family, and members of the community whose lives were forever changed by knowing him.

Don's legacy is not measured by the medals he earned, the games he umpired, or the titles he held, but by the lives he touched. He loved deeply, served faithfully, gave generously, and lived for the Lord. His family finds peace knowing that he is now reunited with the love of his life, Sharon, and hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Though he will be deeply missed, his faith, love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to God and family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 30 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.

Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10 AM at Patton Cemetery in Pyatt. Pastor Tony Whitsell will officiate.

Pallbearers are Chris Martin, Ben Dixon, Jeff Farmer, Dalton Decker, Calvin Garbered, Mitch Young, Chris Perkins, Austin Smith, Chad Hipps, Matt Odom, and Lance Pascoe.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brad Thiel, Drew Fitzgerald, Logan Reynolds and Jackson Kilgore.

On line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.