Elmer Donald “Don” Hiett passed peacefully from this earthy life, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, on March 21, 2016. He was born at home on April 22, 1933, in Quail, Texas and was the oldest son of Elmer Presley and Beatrice (Blevins) Hiett. Don grew up in nearby Wellington. In high school he participated in football, track, and boxing. Upon graduating in 1950, he then attended Abilene Christian College where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a minor in Psychology. After graduation, he and his younger brother, Calvin, served two years in the U.S. Army and were stationed in Berlin, Germany. Upon returning home, Don attended North Texas State University and received his Master’s degree in Education. While there, he met and married Elleece Killingsworth; they later moved to Big Lake, Texas where he developed and implemented the Guidance and Counseling Program and served as a school counselor for three years. From 1963 to 1965, Don served as an elementary school principal in Corsicana, Texas and in San Antonio’s Alamo Heights district from 1965 to 1967. In 1967, Don, Elleece and their three daughters moved to Richardson, Texas where Don served as a principal at Canyon Creek Elementary for two years. He went on to implement the district’s Diagnostic Center and later served in administrative positions in instruction. His position at retirement was the Area Superintendent for elementary schools in the Richardson High School attendance area. His decisions were always based on what was best for students. He was also a licensed marriage and family counselor and was able to provide guidance to those seeking help.
Don had become a single father to his three daughters upon the death of his wife in 1972. In 1975, he married Diane Perkins. Together, they served as educators in the Richardson school district, and in 1990, he received his Doctor of Education degree at the University of North Texas. He enjoyed sports and was a fan of football, golf, and track and field events. The family enjoyed church mission trips and vacation time together and after the nest became empty, he and Diane continued to enjoy travel and were able to visit most of the fifty states and several European countries. Don enjoyed time spent with friends from church and other associations, but his greatest pleasure was in spending time with family. He and Diane were blessed to live near the children’s families, as well as near siblings, so that there were many occasions to enjoy together sharing love and laughter.
In Richardson, he was a member of the Waterview Church of Christ for almost fifty years and served there actively as a teacher, deacon, and elder. He was a dedicated student of the Bible, and he loved to share his understandings in teaching classes of all ages- children, teens and adults. He and Diane taught together at times in the elementary grades of the Sunday School program, their last role being with fourth graders for ten years. They also enjoyed sharing God’s message in Lithuania and traveled there several times to teach and to encourage newly established congregations.
A faithful and devoted husband, father and grandfather, the spiritual well being of Don’s own life and that of his family were of utmost importance to him. He was able to see his own children, their spouses and grandchildren become Christians. His greatest legacy will be the example he has left for his children and grandchildren as a man of faith, love, and a servant of Jesus. Don will be remembered by family, fellow church members, and co-workers as a man of strong convictions who had a gentle and caring heart for people.
Don is survived by his wife of forty years, Diane; daughters, Lisa Kimbrell and husband Ron, Julie Sharp and husband Tim, Donna Hall and husband Tim; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Calvin Hiett and Dan Hiett and their wives; sister Mary Jenkins; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Arden Courts of Richardson for the years of excellent care given to him, as well as to Pathway Hospice in his last weeks and final hours.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday evening March 25, 2016 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Waterview Church of Christ, 1409 N. Waterview Drive, Richardson, Texas, with Brother Robert Oglesby officiating. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday evening March 25, 2016 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.