Donald Richard Joseph

Donald Richard Joseph (Don) committed his life to his hope in Jesus Christ and lived according to the Christian principles outlined in God’s Holy Word. He wanted all who celebrate his life to know that his death is not the end but a new beginning…not defeat, but God’s victory over death.

Often quiet and reserved, Don could transform into a gregarious master of practical jokes, witty observations or slapstick displays. He loved to make people laugh but never needed to be the center of attention. Humble and self-effacing, he didn’t feel compelled to repeat his accomplishments but would rather learn more about the person with whom he spoke. He was loved by all who knew him for his honesty, integrity, sense of humor, devotion to his family, and love of God.

Don was born September 22, 1930, in Houston, Texas to Thomas Rodgers Joseph and Elizabeth Cook Joseph and went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on November 8, 2024. The family lived briefly in Corpus Christi, TX before moving to Harlingen, TX, which he considered his hometown. Upon graduation from Harlingen High School in 1947 he entered Texas A & M University and was a proud member of the class of 1951. He was a Junior Yell Leader 1949-50 and Head Yell Leader 1950-51. He was a Ross Volunteer and Class Agent for the Class of 1951. He also played semi-pro fast pitch softball and caddied for the golf team during this time. He graduated from Texas A & M with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Upon graduation Don served as a tanker pilot in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He married Patricia Dix in May 1953. After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in 1955 he and Patti moved to Waco, TX. While in Waco he continued his education and received a Masters Degree in Economics from Baylor University in 1958. After a time, he moved his growing family to Dallas where he went to work for IBM. In 1964 he joined Autry Rubber Company where he was a top performing salesman based in Norman, OK. In 1973 he moved the family to Austin, Texas to join his brother Tom as partners in the real estate and banking industries until his retirement in 1992.

Don was an avid and very accomplished golfer. It fed his love of competition, and he loved competing in tournaments and weekly games with friends. He was a member of Great Hills Country Club where he served as Board President for a period and was a long-time member of the Men’s Golf Association.

For many years he was an active volunteer for The American Heart Association in many capacities and ultimately served as National Treasurer. For his service Don was honored by AHA by being named as a lifetime Board Member. In order to further his commitment to Christ and to spreading the Gospel, Don participated in prison outreach ministries led by Bill Glass. He was a Sunday School Teacher, a volunteer Choir director and a student of the Bible. He dearly loved Texas A & M University and was a devoted follower of Aggie athletics.

In 1975 Don met and married Dolly Hightower Callaway Joseph with whom he had a loving and devoted relationship for the next 49 years. After Dolly’s retirement they loved to play golf and travel with friends which included many road trips to watch the Aggies often with golf included. Their travels took them throughout the United States and many other parts of the world. They shared a deep abiding faith in Christ.

Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife Dolly, children Don, Jr. (Sheri) of Tiburon, CA, Neil (Tracy) of Longview, TX and Kelly (Peggy) of San Antonio, TX. Grandchildren Justin (Andi), Kevin (Kelsey), Jessica (Kevin), Adam (Marissa), Hunter (Amber), Hayden (April), Megan (Daniel), Kyle (Hayleigh), 11 ½ Great Grandchildren, Brother-In-Law James Hightower, Sister-In-Law Ann Hightower along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was also preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patti, his brother Tom, his sister Elizabeth, daughter Katherine, granddaughter Lindsey, Brother-In-Law Fred Hightower and Sister-In-Law Margaret Hightower.

Services will be at 2:00 pm Friday November 15, 2024, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752. Interment will be in the City Cemetery in San Marcos, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association (heart.org), your local church or other charity of your choice.