Donald Lewallen

Donald (Don) Ray Lewallen, 90, passed away on April 10, 2023, in the comfort of his home in Robinson, Texas. Visitation for family and friends will be held April 17, 2023 from 5 to 7pm, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, Waco, Texas. On April 18, 2023, a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 10:30am at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, following will be a graveside service and Veteran Honors at the Chilton Cemetery. Meadowbrook Baptist Church is hosting a reception for family and friends afterwards.

Don was born on December 19, 1932 at the Srovnal home on Bagby Avenue in Waco, Texas, to WT (Tommy) Lewallen and Lillian (Srovnal) Lewallen. He grew up in the country near Satin and Chilton, with his siblings, Dolores, Shirley Beth and Walter Wyley (Pete). He graduated from Chilton High School, then joined the United States Air Force. The country boy drove a 1950 Chevy from Chilton, through the Mojave Desert, to Travis Air Force Base in California. He had lots of memories of driving a stick shift car up and down the hills of San Francisco. While in the Air Force, he became a Staff Sergeant and traveled to Alaska, Montana and Guam.

Through the GI Bill, he got his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He chose a career in the cotton industry with the United States Department of Agriculture, Cotton Division, starting in Lubbock, Texas. His career lasted 40 years. In 1980, he was chosen as Area Director, opening the first computerized Cotton Classing Office in the world, located in Lamesa, Texas. Visitors to his office came from all over the world to see the latest technology in instrument classing and marketing of cotton.

He met his beloved wife, Linda, at a church training union in Lubbock, Texas. They were the only two that didn’t get the “Training union has been canceled” message. He was smitten, and asked her to marry him six weeks later. Don and Linda married in 1960. They lived in Lubbock for twenty years, then moved to Lamesa for another twenty years. Upon retirement, they moved to Robinson, Texas. They celebrated 62 years of marriage last December.

Don and Linda raised two children, Joel and Lori. He was a great father and provider for his family. He enjoyed taking family vacations in the mountains and being in nature. He built an awesome play fort for his kids, and could fix anything. He loved plants and gardening, choosing his Robinson home for the abundance of trees. He was a true gentleman, Christian man, and the best father ever.

He enjoyed his grandchildren, Katie, David, Sam and Garrett. He made wooden toys, chased them and taught them fun tricks. Being with his wife, kids and grandchildren meant everything to him, often bringing a joyful tear to his eyes. He was also a beloved uncle to his many nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wylie Thomas Lewallen and Lillian Antoinette (Srovnal) Lewallen; his sisters Dolores Jeffrey and Shirley Beth Buckner and her husband Benford; his brother Walter Wyley (Pete) Lewallen.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Lewallen, who showed unconditional love as a caregiver. His son, Joel Lewallen and wife, Laura, and their children Katie and Sam. His daughter, Lori Baerenstecher and husband, Mark, and their children David and Garrett. He is also survived by the husband of Dolores Jeffrey, Sam Jeffrey, as well as many dear nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank those that assisted with caring for Don Lewallen. Dr. James Graham treated Don like a family member. Veronica Arrington came to the Lewallen home and gave both emotional and caregiving support. We’d also like to thank Isela Padron for her services and compassion to both Don and Linda.

If you wish, you may honor Don Lewallen through a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the Baylor Scott & White Hospice organization.