Donald (Don) Francis Gobel, age 78, of McKinney, Texas passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2020. Born in Chicago, Don was a cowboy at heart and in 1993 eagerly moved to Plano, Texas with his wife, Nancy, where he could wear his cowboy hat and boots as a proud Texan.
Don loved life and always had a positive attitude. He had boundless energy and was constantly on the go with his friends nicknaming him “man in motion.” He made friends easily and often with his outgoing and generous spirit that began with his firm handshake, the twinkle in his eye, inviting smile and infectious laugh.
He was a road warrior who always had “white line fever” and, as Willie Nelson sang, enjoyed being “on the road again,” whether it was visiting family and friends across the country or just driving the local Texas countryside. He loved traveling to his friend’s Oklahoma ranch, working cattle there, just being in the wide open spaces that brought him such joy and happiness.
Don loved country music, rodeo, NASCAR racing, all kinds of football - college, NFL and Allen Eagles High School football under the Friday Night Lights, working on his cars and trucks, especially old classic ones, camping, grilling, boating, being with friends, fine wine, good food and good scotch……in no particular order.
But most of all, Don loved his wife, daughters, grandchildren and family and will be remembered for the many ways he showed them love by supporting and being there for them no matter what. He leaves them with countless wonderful memories of the good man he was and the good times they shared with him.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 42 years, Nancy (nee Ciesielski) Gobel; daughter, Danna E. Gobel of Lynn, Massachusetts; daughter, Donee N. Spizzirri and husband, Mariano and children, Marcello, Benjamin and Gabriella of Sugar Grove, Illinois; former wife, still friend and mother of his twin daughters, Danna Grant of Sugar Grove, Illinois; brother-in-law, Stephen Ciesielski and wife, Cindy of Allen, Texas and son, Christopher and family of Houston, Texas and daughter, Jennifer of Dallas, Texas; brother-in-law, L. Thomas Gardner, Jr. and sons, Scott of Illinois and L. Thomas III of Missouri; and extended family and countless friends near and far.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Frank and Bernadine Gobel; sister, Beverly Gardner; and parents-in-law, Valentine and Therese Ciesielski.
A memorial to celebrate Don’s life will be held at a future date when we are able to safely gather. In the meantime, online condolences as well as messages or memories may be shared here.