Friends and family are remembering longtime businessman, farmer and former Prairie County Judge Mike Skarda following his death at 77.
Michael Joseph Skarda passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock.
Skarda was well known throughout Des Arc, Prairie County and beyond as the longtime owner and operator of Dondie’s White River Princess. He operated the popular catfish restaurant from 1991 through 2024, serving generations of customers and creating lasting relationships with employees.
Many employees became part of Skarda’s extended family. He was remembered for his teasing personality, strong work ethic and belief that work should still be enjoyable.
His motto was, “We will work hard, but we will have a good time doing it!”
Lifelong friend Butch Calhoun remembered Skarda as a successful businessman, farmer and public servant who quietly helped people facing difficult circumstances.
“He did great with Dondie’s restaurant. He bought it, and he and Karan ran it for years. She was a public servant, too, in the courthouse then,” Calhoun said.
“Mike was a very successful farmer from a great farming family. Mike did a lot of things that people didn’t know about, helping people who were having hard times and doing it the way the Bible teaches you to do it—without any fanfare.
“We were friends our whole lives. We grew up together, all around. Good guy.”
Skarda graduated from Des Arc High School and studied history at what is now the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He later returned to Des Arc and worked on his family’s farm before purchasing Dondie’s during the early 1990s.
Skarda’s younger brother, Pat Skarda, said farming strengthened their relationship following their father’s death.
“Mike was a great big brother. We farmed together after our dad died. We farmed together for probably 15 years before we separated. Then we got along better, farmed side by side for another 20 years and became closer,” Pat Skarda said.
Skarda’s commitment to helping others eventually led him into public service as Prairie County judge.
During his service, Skarda helped lead Prairie County through the historic 2011 flood and completed multiple building projects. He was also instrumental in preserving stained-glass windows inside the former Presbyterian Church in Des Arc.
Working with church officials and Des Arc High School, Skarda helped secure the building that was eventually converted into the Des Arc Public Library.
His obituary said Skarda did not seek recognition for the assistance he provided to others. He believed caring for people and protecting the things they loved was simply the right thing to do.
Skarda is survived by his wife, Karan; 2 daughters, Shannon Skarda and Ginger Whittaker; 1 stepson, Vince Tate; and 2 granddaughters.
He is also survived by his 3 brothers, Britt Skarda of Little Rock, Pat Skarda of Des Arc and Scott Skarda of Des Arc, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Skarda was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Cannie Ruth Skarda; his sister-in-law, Linda Skarda; and grandbaby Christian Whittaker.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 24, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Bob Neal & Sons–Garth Funeral Home, located at 221 Main Street in Des Arc.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 25, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Des Arc First United Methodist Church, located at 605 West Erwin Street.
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