Donald Duane Straitwell's Obituary
On August 18, 1927 in the small town of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, the eldest child of the late Harold and Hazel (Brown) Straitwell was born. He was christened Donald Duane Straitwell. Such a wonderful loving Man he became.
NOW, the time has come to say our Last Farewell to our Donald Duane Straitwell, who at the ripe young age of 95 on December 23, 2022 peacefully and readily went Home to be with the LORD. Don had conveyed his final goodbyes while sporting a bright smile during the sunrise hour of the Friday before Christmas at the Richard A. Anderson Texas State Veterans Home located in Houston, Harris County, Texas.
Donald married his lovely bride Betty Jayne Duryea on Valentines Day, 1948 in the First Methodist Church in downtown Houston, TX.
She proudly accepted the Straitwell name. The couple was blessed with two children, Linda Jayne in ‘51 and Donald Nelson in ‘52. Don was a natural at being a devoted family man.
Donald was predeceased by his precious wife of 43 years. Betty Jayne was taken from him January 6, 1991 during a battle with leukemia. Then, on Pearl Harbor Day 2005, Donald suddenly lost Linda Jayne, whom he had called daddy’s girl.
Donald Duane Straitwell was known as Don, Dad, Grandpa, Big PaPa, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle Don, Cuz and Friend.
He never met a stranger.
Donald Duane Straitwell is survived by his only Son, Donald Nelson Straitwell and daughter-in-law Deborah Ann. He loved her as his own.
Don treasured his four grandchildren.
Marilyn Ann Straitwell, who he titled “My favorite grand-daughter”
Clinton Duane Straitwell, Robert Austin McKee , Daniel Martin McKee
Donald was blessed with nine great-grandchildren.
The eldest being Alexis Brianne whom he called his good luck charm followed by Ashlyn Renae, Jaden Andre’, Caleb Nelson, Zachery Drake, Donald Martin, MandyJayne, Ivy Marie and Myles Tyler.
Donald Duane Straitwell was a pillar to the community. During the 1960’s he served as Scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts of America Troop Number 193.
Donald was a 72-Year Mason and Life member of Park Place Masonic Lodge 1172 (Endowed Member)
Member of Park Place Royal Arch Masons
Member of Park Place Royal Select Masons
Raised Master Mason
Proud Shriners Chinar Grotto Reveler
Life Member of Houston Gun Collectors Association (HGCA)
Life Member of National Rifle Association. Don had broken national records in NRA shooting tournaments. He was quite an excellent marksman.
Life member of Bayou Rifles Inc.
Member of Texas State Rifle Association, Winchester Arms Collectors Association, Marlin Firearms Collectors Association along with many more associations.
Member of American Legion Post 0594 and in later years Texas HQ Post 0345
Member of Texas Farm Bureau since 1994 as Don owned a 117-acre tree farm in Polk County, TX . He would reminisce in the woods at his campfire telling stories of his younger years in Panic, New Bedford and Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania.
Donald graduated in 1945 from Union Township High School in New Castle, PA. Prior to enlistment in the US Navy in July, 1945.
Don had been a proud World War II Veteran who served US Navy active duty from 1945 to 1947. He served in Squadron VP-111 as squadron Yeoman (Y2). Don flew with the crew on occasion in his most loved PB4Y2 Privateer airplanes to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada and Halifax Nova Scotia. At the wars end, in 1947 Donald volunteered and served in the Naval Reserves till September 29, 1955. Honorably discharged.
Employed as Brick Mason and Bricklayer Foreman at Shell Chemical Plant, Deer Park, TX from July, 1954 to retirement in May, 1987
Donald has now joined his Father, Mother, Wife, Daughter and siblings: Harold, Bobby, Bill, Jim, Lois, and Betty Jean.
Mr. Donald Duane Straitwell you will be missed by All until we meet again.
May You Rest In Peace.
Graveside service to be held Valentines Day February 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Garden of Remembrance Section
South Park Perpetual Care Cemetery
Pearland, Brazoria County. Texas
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
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Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
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