Donald Norman Scarborough

Donald Norman Scarborough, a United States Navy veteran and resident of Houston, Texas, died unexpectedly on March 3, 2017, at the age of 82 while on his morning walk. He is survived by his children: Selena Foster (Mike), Gwen Drews (Tim), and Norm Scarborough (Toni); his step-children: Debbie Ryan (Dewey), Diane Hunter (John), Dorothy Elder (Mitch), and David Norris (Tammi); his grandchildren: Brittany Astorga (Steven); Olivia Foster; Blake York; Kyle York; Dustin Scarborough; Alyssa Scarborough; Garrett Lacy; Heather Trexler (Scott); Joel Hunter (Brittany); Mitchell Elder; Margo Elder; and Travis Norris; and his brothers Dudley Scarborough and Terry Scarborough. He is predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Melba Scarborough; his parents, Norman Scarborough and Susie Garcia Scarborough; his brothers Charlie Scarborough and Otis Scarborough, and his sister, Minnie Scarborough.

Donald was born on January 12, 1935, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He joined the United States Navy in 1954 where he served until his honorable discharge in 1958. He worked as a boiler repairman on the USS Chandler where he was able to travel the world. He earned Good Conduct and China Service Medals. After his service, he moved to Houston, Texas, and married June Collins. In 1964, he married Catherine (Billie Jean) O’Con. They had two children, Gwen and Norm. Donald raised Catherine’s daughter, Selena Sepulvado, as his own child. In 1991, he married Melba Scarborough. They shared a wonderful life together by spending time with family, attending their grandchildren’s sporting events, hosting holiday dinners, shopping for bargains at garage sales, and traveling. They were a shining example of happily ever after.

Donald worked for Dresser Industries as a machinist prior to starting his own business. Over the next 40 years, he operated Don’s Transmission, A-B Transmission, Pronto Muffler, Instant Maid Service, and Ellis Automotive. After retirement, he became active in the Veterans of Foreign War-Post 8790 in Spring Branch where he held the position of Surgeon. He was also a member of the Houston Honor Guard and Saint Cecilia Catholic Church. He spent his spare time working in the yard, attending Tuesday night singles dinner at Collina’s Italian Restaurant, cooking for steak and hamburger nights at the VFW, and most recently attending Sunday afternoon dances. He was also learning how to play the guitar and speak Spanish in addition to studying any self-healing measures he recently discovered while searching the internet. He was active and full of life. Donald loved the Lord, life, and his family. He was always willing to help people and telling jokes! He will be missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.

The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 9, 2017, at American Heritage Funeral Home located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. A funeral service is scheduled for March 10, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. Burial immediately following at the U.S. Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. A reception will follow at the VFW-Post 8790, 1560 Foley St., Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the VFW-Post 8790.