Don passed away Saturday night on August 19, 2023, at Hunt Regional Hospital at the age of 89. He attended Greenville, Texas public schools and graduated from high school after 11 grades. The following year schools changed to 12 grades. He then attended Texas A&M University in Commerce.
The summer of '74 Don met Pat Chezem Debord on a blind date. Sixteen years and at least 1600 trips he made to Sulphur Springs later they married on October 8, 1990.
Don's work career began at Sabine Valley Ice Cream Company. Later he worked at Puddin Hill when it was first established in Greenville and gave Pud Kearns the nickname Little Pud. His final 38 work years were at Raytheon (now L-3) until he retired on March 24, 1993. Additionally, he worked after hours with his dad operating the Club Café and a Pawn Shop, both on Lee Street and was co-owner with him on rental properties.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and Perry, daughter Angie Debord, sister-in-law Geraldine Goen and nephew Trent.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Goen; brother, Jerry (Sherry), children, Mike (Liz), Michelle Youtz (Steve), Lynette Phillips (Patrick), and Clint Debord (Sarah). Also, he is survived by 12 grandchildren, John Crew, Cody and Colt (Nathalia) Goen, Ali and Michael Youtz, Zach (Jessie) Youtz and Sydnay Youtz Killian (Mitch), Josh Phillips (Risa), and Eli and Jackson Debord, and Justus and Mason Chambers.
There are 11 Great Grandchildren who survive him - Angel and Jade Crew, Poppy Goen, Pike, Luna, and Ridge Youtz, Luca and Nash Killian, and Kaleb, Eli, and Dean Phillips.
He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Liz McKinley and Mary Chezem, and numerous extended family members.
A funeral service will be held at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, Texas on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be at 9:30 prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville.
Don was a member of Park Street Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be John Crew, Cody Goen, Colt Goen, Michael Youtz, Eli Debord, and Jackson Debord.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Oyler, Penny Young and Ali Youtz.
A special appreciation to his Hospice team, Hunt Regional Room 476 medical staff, and to his friend Dan Oyler who cared for him so lovingly during the past months.
Condolences(9)
Vickie Cummings
Emory, TX Saturday, September 16, 2023 What a sweet and kind man. I worked for Don back in 1992. Don was one of the funniest people I have ever none. You will be missed “Pal”.CHOYCE Thomas
Sulphur Springs, TX Thursday, August 24, 2023 Dear Pat and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Please know that there are many people who care and are praying for you at this difficult time.LaVerne Cook Campbell
Sulphur Springs, TX Wednesday, August 23, 2023 Pat, I am so sorry to hear of your husband Don's passing. Praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family and give you all strength, comfort, and peace during this time. LaVerne Cook CampbellLaVerne Doss Campbell
Sulphur Springs, TX Wednesday, August 23, 2023 Pat, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family and give you all strength, comfort, and peace during this time.Noah Goen
Austin, TX Wednesday, August 23, 2023Terry Dooley
Campbell, TX Wednesday, August 23, 2023 Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Don in Quality Control and worked under him on a few projects. He and my Dad ( Ben Dooley ) were real good friends. My prayers for the family.Barbara Arrington
GREENVILLE, TX Wednesday, August 23, 2023 So sad to hear of Don's passing. I didn't know he gave Pud her nickname! We grew up together and she was even in our wedding party in 1973. Pat and Don were wonderful members of Park Street Church and spoke so highly of my father-in-law Charles. They are rejoicing in heaven!Donna Jackson Goss
Greenville, TX Wednesday, August 23, 2023 My condolences to the family! Don was a special man! I worked for him at E-Systems for a while and he was a great boss! One of the nicest men I ever knew! Will always be remembered ! Prayers for you all in the coming days!Dan & Betty Jean Cooper
Greenville, TX Tuesday, August 22, 2023 Dear Pat and family:Please know that you are in our prayers at this difficult time. Don was a wonderful man and we are so proud to have known him.
Dan & Betty Jean