Donald Vernon Stolte, formerly of Trinity TX, then Caddo OK, was born August 17, 1923 in Waco TX to Vernon George Stolte and Artie Loraine (Free) Stolte. He passed away in McKinney TX on Friday, June 25, 2010 from complications incurred from a stroke on the eve of his 86th birthday. Don, a tall (6’6”), dark, and handsome, fun loving guy, was quiet and shy around those he didn’t know well but funny and outgoing with his friends, had an incredible sense of humor up to the end (“If I can’t have water, Doc, can I have a beer?”), always had a kind smile for everyone, loved the outdoors, had a green thumb and the best vegetable garden on the block, and grew the biggest elephant ears in his flower gardens. He was a voracious reader, loved bird watching and set up several bird houses and feeders in his yard, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an avid golfer playing with his special buddies until the age of 82. He only used his golf cart to ride to the mail center to check the mail. He especially loved being with his family and friends, playing cards, Chickenfoot dominoes, and watching sports on TV. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for many years and had a strong faith in the Lord. Don graduated from Waco High School in 1941, attended Baylor for a semester before transferring to Texas Tech where he studied Business Management for 2 years. Then in Feb. 1943, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served 3 years in the Pacific aboard the USS Colorado until January 1946, being honorably discharged. After the war, Don returned to Waco, graduating from 4C Business College. Here he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Davis, whom he ardently pursued and married on June 9, 1950. They just recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Don worked in management for Wm. Cameron Wholesale for many years, first in Waco TX, then in Odessa, and in Corpus Christi. However, after living through Hurricanes Beulah and Carla on the Gulf Coast, they decided it was time for a change. So he and Jane moved to Missouri. In Willard, Don was a ranch manager overseeing the grounds, then grounds keeper for Emerson Company Guest House in Centralia. He retired at age 65 and moved back to Texas, but got bored quickly and went to work for JC Penney for another 15 years before retiring again. Don is survived by his wife, Jane, his daughter, Terry Stolte, of McKinney, daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Paul Strief, of Caddo OK, sister, Virginia “Gina” Baker, of Alpine, brother-in law, Bill Davis and wife Della, of Waco, “grand-godson” Aaron Rodriguez, his wife Susy and son, Jonathan, of Dallas, nephews Rick Baker and wife Gail, of Alpine TX, Kelly Baker and wife Trava, of Marfa TX, Michael Davis and wife Charlene, of Seattle WA, Mark Davis and wife Elaine, of Denton, Eddie Davis and wife Diane, of Dallas, and nieces Sue Light and husband James, of Corpus Christi, Carolyn Davis, of Lufkin TX, Lisa Royal and husband George, of Waco, and several cousins, grand and great-grand-nieces, grand and great-grand nephews and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents Fred and Minnie Alice (Wehrman) Stolte, and William and Sarah (Ogden) Free, his brother-in-law A.P. Baker of Alpine, his sister-in-law, Nana Beth (O’Connor) Davis, brother-in-law and wife Weldon and Kathryn “Polly” (Morgan) Davis, of Lufkin. The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Homestead of McKinney for their kindness, care and support. They have been incredible throughout the past nine months. Turrentine-Jackson Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements. Rev. John Blacklock will preside over the Memorial Service on Saturday, July 17, 2010, 2:00 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 2000 White Ave., McKinney TX. Don’s ashes will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Don’s two favorite charities: Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock AR 72202, or Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, 2070 Peachtree Ct., Ste. 101, Atlanta GA 30341.