Donald Adair Gum

He was a 1940 graduate of Reagan High School in Houston and attended the Houston Conservatory of Music. He enlisted in The United States Marine Corps in September of 1941 and served eight years. His World War II service included defense of American Samoa; assault and occupation of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands; assault and occupation of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands; and occupation of North China. As a technical sergeant, his post-war service included three years as Chief Clerk in the USMC’s Recruiting Office in Houston, followed by four years in the USMC Reserve through 1953.

He moved to Lubbock in 1950, where he traveled as a territorial sales and factory representative for a number of years prior to employment as a salesman for Hester’s Office Supply. In 1966 he was employed by Southwestern Public Service in New Business Sales and Public Relations, and was its City Service Dispatcher at the time of his retirement in 1986.

He was a long time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, Clerk of the Session, chairman of various committees, church school teacher, and as a member of the Chancel Choir for more than 50 years. He served the larger church as a member of various Presbytery committees, and as a commissioner to Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

He was a member of Yellowhouse Lodge No. 841, AF&AM, and a past president of Llano Estacado Audubon Society. He served the Boy Scouts of America as Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster and was awarded the Scouter’s Key and Order of the Arrow.

Don and his wife Florence were avid travelers over the years visiting more than 40 countries and 25 islands.

He is survived by his wife, Florence; a daughter, Susan; and a son, Brian and wife Lynn, all of Lubbock; along with

several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Rufus and Mabel Gum, three brothers and a sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Music Fund at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3321 33rd Street, Lubbock, Texas 79410

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery, Lubbock, TX.