Donald Kay Elliott

Donald was born on March 7th, 1949 in Brownfield, Texas, to his parents, Edward and Mary Elliott. As a child, his family moved to Odessa, Texas where he was a proud resident for most of his life. Donald, or Don as he preferred to be called, graduated from Permian High School in 1967. While attending Permian, he excelled in several various athletic endeavors.

Upon graduation, Don decided to follow in his older brother Ronald’s footsteps and serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. He proudly served from 1967 to 1973, including two years of overseas service in the Vietnam War. Upon return from Taiwan, he was stationed by the Air Force in Kansas. It was during this time that through a mutual friend, he would meet the love of his life, and future wife, Susan Beaver. Don always said that it was his persistence, as well as the many deliveries of restaurant takeout to Susan at college that would prove to win her over.

Don and Susan were married on July 21st, 1973 in Quinter, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to Odessa, Texas to begin their lives together. After moving home, Don went to work for United Parcel Service. Don was known and appreciated by many of the residents of Midland and Big Springs, where he delivered packages for over thirty years. Although the work was often strenuous, Don always enjoyed his career at UPS, and worked proudly there until he retired. During his free time, Don focused on being the best husband, father, and Christian man that he could be. When not working, he enjoyed spending time with family, caring for his lawn, and watching sports on television.

A longtime member of First Baptist Church Odessa, Don held a special place in his heart for the Church and the many wonderful people that made up the Church family. Don served as an usher at First Baptist, and still considered himself a member of the Church after he moved away from Odessa in his later years. He felt specially blessed to be part of a Sunday School class that were an extended family to him and Susan. He enjoyed the many trips, parties, and events that the Sunday School class participated in, and was known for always making sure that the class had Southern Maid Donuts on Sunday morning. During his later years, Don loved keeping up with his two sons, and their families. Of his family, he was especially proud of his two grandsons, and would spend much of his time collecting and rolling coins so that he could contribute to their college education. They were truly his pride and joy.

Those left to carry on his memory are his son and daughter-in-law, John & Monica Elliott of The Colony, TX; his son, Michael Elliott of Bremerton, WA; grandson, McKinly Elliott of Imperial Beach, CA; grandson, Carter Elliott of The Colony, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Elliott; parents, Edward and Mary Elliott; and brother, Ronald Elliott.

A viewing will be held at Wilson Funeral Home, in Odessa, Tx on Friday, February 18th from 5pm to 7pm. A graveside ceremony will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Saturday, February 19th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in his memory be made to Gideon’s International, or a charity of their choice.

Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Elliott family.