Donald Lamar Wyatt

Donald Lamar Wyatt, 77, a resident of Elba, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, while surrounded by his family. A funeral service for Don will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, April 27th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Brother Stae Sanders officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday for one hour prior to the service.

The world lost a true original with the passing of Don, who left us with a heart full of laughter, stories, and more than a few well-timed dad jokes. A proud veteran, dedicated policeman, skilled mechanic, and road warrior known by his CB handle "Jackknife," he lived life full throttle-with a grin on his face and a joke in his back pocket. He served his country with pride in the military, then continued his commitment to service as a police officer. Never one to take it easy, he went to night school for auto mechanics while working full-time in law enforcement.

Retirement? Not for this guy. After hanging up the badge, he traded his uniform for a trucker's cap and hit the road as "Jackknife." He brought the same sense of humor, heart, and hard work to the highways that he brought to everything he did. He loved many things in this life-but nothing more than his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife Veronica, the love of his life, his partner in crime, and the one person who could match his wit and keep him on his toes. His love for her was steady, playful, and full of admiration-he made sure everyone knew he had hit the jackpot with her.

He adored his kids and grandkids, and he showed it in the best way he knew how: by picking on them mercilessly. If he was teasing you, you knew you were loved. His pranks, jokes, and one-liners will echo through family gatherings for generations to come. Don leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and love-a life lived with purpose and a smile. Rest easy, Jackknife. May your roads be open, your coffee strong, and your radio tuned to good company.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Dawson & Anita Marler Wyatt; son-in-law, Bill Morphis; and many of his siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Veronica Burroughs Wyatt; children, Jason Wyatt, Krissie Morphis, John (Kammie) Wheeless, Monica Wheeless, and Jesse (Tracie) McKinney; grandchildren, Payton, Garrin, & Kenzleigh Wyatt, Tyler Wheeless, Brandon Wheeless, Hailey, Emily, Hannah, & Dylan McKinney, and Lexi & Nick Morphis; sisters, Linda Allen and Carol (Nick) Bolan; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.