Donald Loyd Day, 77, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2010. He was born on September 22, 1933 in Idabel, Oklahoma. He is predeceased by his parents, Virgie Ellen Day and Willie Lee Day and two sons lloyd Bradley Day and Michael Lee Day and sister Virginia Lee Cohron. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ondina Cristina Pineda Day; daughter Susanne Murphy and husband Michael Murphy of Houston; daughter Donna Day Fogt and husband Keith Fogt of Houston. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Brandon, Sydney, Lauren and Kristen of Houston, Beverly and husband Danny of Ft. Campbell, Chrissy Day of Florida, and Stephen Day and wife Heather Day of Alvin. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Wayne Day and sister Billy Jean Jouett.
Donald graduated from Texas A&M University in 1960, cum laude, with a BBA in Accounting. He was a member and later president of Phi Eta Sigma, a member of Phi Kappa Phi, honor fraternity. After graduation he remained a lifelong supporter and fan of his beloved Aggies.
Donald worked in public accounting for Arthur Anderson and then went to Venezuela with Superior Oil in 1962 where he met and married the love of his life 48 years ago. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Venezuela. Donald Served as Sergeant in the Armed Forces from 1953 to 1956.
The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at Waltrip Funeral Directors. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday in the Waltrip Chapel. Interment will follow in Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.
For those desiring, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes association.
Dad would often say that I was his favorite youngest daughter.
I am my dad’s namesake, Donna Lee Day, born on his birthday 43 years ago! On his birthday, he always enjoyed sharing the story of how I was to be named Donald Lyod Jr. But because I was born with “inside waterworks”, not “outside waterworks” - plan B quickly took effect, thus, the name Donna Lee. Last month, Dad was really looking forward to his birthday on Sept 22 so that we could once again blow out our candles together. He was also adamant about making it to 77 because he so wanted to be the first member of the Day family to reach 77!
Dad was one of a kind: He was a stubbornly, strong man. His courageous battle with COPD and the close call with death he had a little over a year ago was a testament to his will to continue fighting this illness in spite of the diminishing quality of life he was experiencing.
He fervently believed in higher education. He recently told me the story of when he worked as a derrickman in his early twenties. After a 12 hour shift of working in frigid conditions on an oil rig, he came down from the rig still numb from the cold and decided at that point that there had to be a better way to make a living. Thank goodness for that epiphany! Texas A&M
College (at the time) was where he pursued his Accounting degree. He was proud to be an Aggie, never took his Class of 1960 ring off. He bled maroon and white, loved to watch the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Marching Band during half-time and always got chills down his spine when he would hear the Aggie Fight Song - “Hullabaloo Caneck, Caneck” I will never forget the nostalgic roadtrip we took together last year to visit Aggieland before his Oxygen levels became too high. He looked like a possum eating grapes, riding his scooter in front of the Academic building and going down memory lane! It was undoubtedly one of the best days of our lives as a family.
Dad loved adventure! I am stealing one of the many Facebook comments that described him as a Venezuelan Cowboy! He was an avid hunter and fisherman wouldn’t you say? Collectively, we could write a book on all of the experiences and stories!! I remember like it was yesterday, one of our many boat outings during the beach house days in Puerto La Cruz. We maxxed out on the # of people allowed on the boat, had a cooler full of his favorite Polar bear and well, I think he lost track of time and were too far out to get back to shore before the storm hit. What should have taken us 30 minutes to get back, turned into hours of hitting high, crashing waves. I remember that Amalia was visibly pregnant with Anthony. I believe that was the last time my mom went on an outing with us!!!
There are many more adventures during his remote fishing expeditions in the lower Orinoco basin. Peacock seabass fishing trips were what he lived for, right mom?? Those camping experiences, where they were truly roughing it, brought encounters with big cats, caiman sightings, boa constrictors, anteaters, snakes of all colors and sizes and even piranhas!!! His problem solving skills were often put to the test when the pickup trucks got stuck in the unpaved, muddy roads that took them to their destination.
Dad loved eating!!! He bit into his first filet mignon at the age of 22! The flavors of that culinary experience brought him into the world of grilling. Boy, could our Dad grill a good piece of meat! He was always ready to prepare a “parrillada” (Bar–B–Q) at a moments notice! Just serve him some scotch and water, give him his Aggie cap and some good company to tell dirty jokes and he was a happy man!
Dad loved to “Joder”, to stir things up a bit! He was rarely politically correct, very opinionated and never afraid to let you know! He also had a language of his own….you know what I’m talking about!!! We call them
Don Day-isms!!! In Texas, it’s known as Bubba Talk!!!
Dad loved being the boss! During his days at home under hospice care, it was amazing to still see Dad want to be in control. He always offered his way of fixing the problem whether you wanted to hear it or not. Mom recently had a flat tire in the driveway. While the men were gathering tools, etc to work on the flat, dad was eagerly transferring to his scooter to supervise and direct their activities. He did not want to miss a minute of it and knew that his years of wisdom were going to be needed! He was so motivated to share what he knew, and he really did know a lot…..
Dad loved a lively gathering! Mom and Dad entertained and partied more than Sue and I will in our lifetimes! “Hospitality” best describes this dynamic duo! Mom was the master organizer and Dad grilled, joked and was often the life of the party. My family in Venezuela marveled that this green eyed gringo was so adaptable to the culture. They embraced him as one of their own and have had great admiration for him over the years.
Dad loved all his girls, but he especially treasured the woman he met almost 49 years ago. Mom, you changed Dad’s life when he first saw you at the airport in Maracaibo. When you said “yes”, little did you know what was ahead!!!! Thank you for being there through the good times and the bad times. You did an excellent job taking care of his needs.
Dad, thank you for giving Mom the much needed affirmation during your last few days. God was definitely with you and on behalf of all of us here,
we wish you peace, love and joy as you reunite with those dearly departed.
Inhale and exhale…..take it all in……Dad.
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