Donald Edward Kapalka II

He was born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 14, 1945 to parents, Donald Edward and Virginia Wynn Kapalka. They soon moved to Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Don’s brother Ron and sister Virginia were born in Pennsylvania.

When Don was nine, the family moved back to Texas. The family lived a short time with Grandfather ZG Wynn in Springtown, Texas. This was a treat to live on a Dairy Farm and have our own “Hundred Acre Wood.”

Don graduated from Paschal High School 1963. After graduating, Don chose to follow his dream and joined the US Navy. He served his country for the next 12 Years. He retired from the US Navy as a Petty Officer First Class. He met his wife Marsha Blackwell (Bobbi) during his Naval service and they were married in 1967 in California. He spent several years at Navy Schools learning to be a Nuclear Mechanic and served on several nuclear-powered ships.

In 1988, Don and Marsha were blessed with a long hoped-for child, son Zachary, born in Dallas Texas.

After his Naval Service, Don graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington with a degree in Computer Programing. He worked for the USDA NRCS retiring in 2007, as a Computer Mapping Supervisor.

In 2009, Don was diagnosed with lung disease, traced back to his Naval Service. He underwent a successful double lung transplant in 2013. It gave him 10 more years of life and allowed him to see his son graduate from college and marry Anna Latsha in 2014 and welcome 4 wonderful grandchildren into his life.

Don is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Marsha Kapalka, his son Zachary W Kapalka, (Anna Latsha Kapalka); (four grandchildren, Maxim, Wynn, Gideon and Jove); brother, Ronald Kapalka (Nancy Langstaff Kapalka); sister Virginia Kapalka Thomson (Bill Thomson); Nieces Ginger Kapalka Montalvo (Stephen Montalvo); and Mandy Kapalka Madler (Nick Madler); and grandnephews Vincent Montalvo and Lyle Madler and numerous cousins.

Memorial Service: 10:30 am, Saturday, July 22, 2023 at New Life Deaf Fellowship, 6917 Brentwood Stair Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76112.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: American Lung Association and American Cancer Society.