William Donald “Don” Minchew was born January 10, 1951, to Thelma Morton and Jessie “Bully” Garsee. He grew up in Orange County, Texas where he spent time with his siblings and cousins riding horses through the woods, hunting, and fishing.
After graduating from Vidor High School, Don attended Lamar College in Beaumont, Texas, where he earned a degree in Mathematics with minors in Physics and Education. While at Lamar, he met his future wife, Marsha O’Neal. They were married on December 21, 1971, in Beaumont, Texas. Their daughter Beth was born in 1974, and their son Brent was born in 1977.
After finishing college, Don went on to teach Physics at French High School in Beaumont for five years before moving to Deer Park, Texas, for a new opportunity to help support his growing family. He began as a laboratory technician, moving on to supervise a warehouse, and then transferred to the corporate office in Dallas, Texas as a consultant.
Upon retirement, Don and Marsha moved to Como, Texas, to live out their dream of farm life. There they raised cows, donkeys, goats, chickens, dogs and cats. Don enjoyed life on the farm taking care of the animals, gardening, and riding his tractor. But his grandchildren – Kyler, Kenzie, and Ellie – brought him the most joy.
Don passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2024. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister Patsy Junot, and many other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael Minchew, and grandson Colby Jones.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, 75013.
The family will receive guests during a visitation from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway, North, Allen, Texas, 75013.