Donald Joe Gressett

Donald Joe Gressett was born on September 9, 1945 in Waxahachie, Texas to C.N. (Pete) and Margaret Kooken Gressett. He passed away at his home in Kingwood, TX. on June 10, 2024 at the age of 78. Donnie is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Carol Roebuck Gressett; his daughter Jennifer Gressett; grandson, Colin Gressett; and sister Sherrie Gressett Green of Waxahachie. He was preceded in death by his son, Marcus Aaron Gressett.

Donnie grew up in Waxahachie, attending local public schools and graduating from Waxahachie High School in 1963. Last year, he was honored with a distinguished alumni award and was inducted into the Waxahachie Alumni Who’s Who of Waxahachie High School.

After high school, Donnie attended Baylor University in Waco, receiving a BBA in 1967. Upon obtaining his degree, Donnie began work for Sears Roebuck in their management training program in the Houston area. He held various management positions in Pasadena, Shepherd and Baytown, before leaving Sears to begin a career in the lighting business with his wife Carol. The two have owned and operated Carol’s Lighting from 1980 until the present.

Carol’s Lighting, one of the largest retail lighting businesses in Houston, has received numerous awards over the years, including two national arts awards, received through nominations of industry peers. The lighting business afforded Donnie and Carol many opportunities through the years, including world travel and establishing life-long friendships with employees, customers, and others in the industry. The success of Carol’s Lighting was an accomplishment that brought Donnie great joy and one in which he felt tremendous pride.

Through Carol’s Lighting, Donnie and Carol have been active supporters and donors to a number of philanthropic organizations, including the Jan and Dan Dunkin Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, and many local charitable causes.

In addition to his astute business skills, Donnie was probably best known for his keen sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and his love of people. The room always seemed a little brighter when Donnie entered with a funny story or a practical joke. He loved sports, hunting, and fishing. Stories told around the campfire at the deer lease are legendary. He never minded a bit of embellishment, if it improved the telling of one of his tales. He loved the great outdoors, catching fish, stalking a deer, or just watching a sunset.

Donnie also loved music. From his days as a high school trumpet player until the time of his death, he appreciated many types of music. He and Carol loved attending concerts and seeing their favorite artists in person. In recent months, he enjoyed a sing-along with his sister Sherrie, bringing back memories of days gone by. In his final weeks, he could be heard whistling “Rhinestone Cowboy” on a daily basis. His love of music was ever-present and brought him great joy.

Finally, Donnie loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, an encouraging grandfather, and a wise, fun-loving brother, uncle and brother-in-law. He especially loved hunting, fishing, and going to sporting events with his grandson, Colin, until his health no longer allowed it. He will be remembered by his family as a larger-than life presence who enriched their lives in countless ways.

In addition to his son Marc, Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bobbie Gressett Taylor, his brothers-in-law Barney Taylor and Walter (Dub) Green, his in-laws Ralph and Evelyn Roebuck, and his nephews Jeff Taylor and Charles Green. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Kingwood Funeral Home on Monday, June 24, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 am. In lieu in flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Donnie’s memory.