Donald Nelson Straitwell's Obituary
Donald Nelson Straitwell, born August 12, 1952 at age 72 passed on to be with our Lord on Christmas morning, December 25, 2024 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.
Donalds battle and journey with lung cancer has ended.
Donald is survived by Deborah, his wife of 50+ years and his loving caring daughter Marilyn and his kind-hearted son Clinton and five wonderful grandchildren: Alexis, Ashlyn, Jaden, Caleb and Myles. He was an uncle to two nephews and their children.
Donnie was preceded in death by his grandparents Harold and Mabel Duryea and his parents Donald D and Betty Jayne Straitwell along with his sister Linda McKee and his Labrador sweetheart Abbey Leigh.
Donnies body is now free. No more pain, no more, cancer treatments, insulin shots, blood transfusions or dialysis. Ringing the bell 3 times was his best memory during his cancer journey. He remained positive the entire battle.
Donnie was quite a character. A red head full of spark and vigor and such a risk taker. Strong willed and often a perfectionist. Donnie the pipe welder, inspector, carpenter, fisherman, a bullrider. In the 1980 and 1990 era Donnie had a bout with alcoholism which Bill W and twelve steps helped him resolve by the Grace of God. He then became a self made gentleman with such a kind heart at times. He loved his entire family, his neighbors, his dog. Fishing and duck hunting were his passion. The Cowtrap was his favorite place to go in his boat.
He would play his guitar and sing and often whistled. He loved drinking his coffee and watching the purple martin songbirds glide. He often enjoyed front porch sitting and just chilling with the neighbors, family and friends. Days and evenings were full of Donnies cool nature. He had fun with all and strongly cherished each and every member of his supportive Team Straitwell.
His Death came as another stage of his Life . His Dads famous words were Donnie is a chip off the old block and Donnie and Debbie are One. The life that was lived so fondly together is now unchanged. What we all were remains in our hearts. Call him by the familiar name of Donnie, Don, Donald, Dad , Papa or Friend. Speak of him often in the easy way which you always did. Put no difference into your tone of voice without solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we all always laughed at the jokes and stories and fun times we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of him and pray for him. Let his name be ever the household name that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life still means all that it ever meant and then some. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. Donnie is but waiting for us all, for an interval, very near, just around the corner on the other side with his Lord, our savior. All is well.
Memorial service to be held in his honor on
Friday, February 14, 2025. Valentines Day
At South Park Funeral Home
1310 North Main Street in Pearland Tx.
Gathering held from 9 to 10 a.m.
Chapel service at 10 to 11 a.m.
Sister Sara Owen-Gemoets officiating
Balloon release to follow
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
