Donald “Don” Ray Lawhorne, of Plano, Texas, passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 82.
Don was born on August 24, 1943, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, to Lonnie and Estelle (Walker) Lawhorne. While at Homestead High School, Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he received technical training in telecommunications, wiring, and building military antennas. After completing his commitment with the U.S. Air Force, he joined the Georgia Air National Guard where he finished his military service. His time in the military helped develop his strong work ethic and values that would guide him throughout his career.
Don went on to pursue higher education, earning his bachelor’s degree in business from Southern Methodist University, and later a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University, all while working at Western Electric and Dallas County Community College District.
Don then built a decades-long career in venture capital, providing endless entrepreneurs with financial support, strategic advice, and personal guidance, enabling them to grow successful businesses. Don served as Chief Executive Officer and President for both MESBIC and Pacesetter Capital Group, where he was respected for his leadership, insight, and dedication.
On February 6, 1999, Don married Renee Manuel in Plano, Texas. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and shared joy. He was a devoted member of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where his faith was an important part of his daily life.
Don was an avid reader, especially of the Bible and devotionals, and found great peace and fulfillment in his spiritual journey.
In his free time, he had a passion for cars and boating, staying active and engaged.
He is survived by his loving wife, Renee Lawhorne of Plano, Texas; his sons, David Lawhorne of Dallas, Texas, and Donald (Laurie) Lawhorne of San Diego, California; his daughters, Elizabeth (Calvin) Sham of Lavon, Texas, and Katherine (Konner) King of Redding, California; his stepsons, Jonathan (Carrie) Rios of Lucas, Texas, and Christopher (Cody) Rios-Sueverkruebbe of Somerset, New Jersey; his grandchildren, Jayden Sham, Adeline Sham, Lochlann King, and William Rios; his brother, Robert “Bob” Lawhorne of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Ann (Greene) Weaver and Nancy (Greene) Atkins, and brothers, Harold Greene and Harold Lawhorne.
He will be remembered for his strong faith, his dedication to his family, his impactful business career, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.
The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care and dedication shown to Don by doctors, nurses, and staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and LifeCare Hospitals of North Texas.
A service celebrating the life of Don Lawhorne will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Stonebriar Community Church, 4801 Legendary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034.
Visitation will be from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
Interment will be at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
For those desiring, contributions in honor of Don may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to Stonebriar Community Church.