Donald Edward Stapleton

Donald Edward Stapleton was welcomed into Heaven at the age of 86 on August 30, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas. Donald was born on October 17, 1939, in Brownsville, Texas, to James Edward Stapleton and Lillian Bucy Stapleton, who both preceded him in death.

Donald graduated from high school in Balmorhea, Texas. After high school, he attended the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University, and later in life completed his nursing degree at Amarillo College at age 53. Donald grew up as a farm kid in Raymondville and Balmorhea, Texas. After graduating high school, Donald’s family moved to Van Horn, Texas, where he met his wife of 65 years, Linda Mitchell. Donald and Linda were married on October 15, 1960, while Donald was attending the University of Texas at El Paso. Shortly after their marriage, Donald transferred to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he and Linda welcomed their two daughters, Donna and Julie. Donald, Linda, and their two girls moved to Sunray, Texas, in 1969, where they welcomed their son, Mitchell, later that year. Donald worked as a farmer and rancher and spent some time as a pumper in the oilfield while in Sunray. After their last child graduated high school in 1989, Donald and Linda moved to Amarillo, Texas, so that Donald could return to school to complete his nursing degree. After obtaining his nursing degree, Donald worked at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the TDCJ Clements Unit for 16 years, retiring on January 31, 2010.

After retiring, Donald enjoyed visiting the Texas coast to fish, boat, and spend time on the beach. When he was not visiting family spread across Texas, he enjoyed caring for his yard and beautiful flower beds, tending a fire in his chiminea on his back porch while watching the birds and squirrels he kept nice and plump with an endless supply of bird food. Donald took a very active role in his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s lives, attending as many of their functions as he could.

Donald was an avid Texas Tech fan; every Saturday and Sunday afternoon during football season, you could bet there was a ball game on television, and of course, he attended any sporting event his grandchildren or great-grandchildren were participating in or wanted to see played professionally.

Donald created a lasting tradition that has touched generations of his family: Waffle Sunday, when he lovingly prepared buttery waffles, sausage and potato patties, eggs made to order, and all the fixings in between. Lastly, and most importantly, Donald loved Christ and made his faith known by spreading that love to all his loved ones and praying before every meal to give thanks. In any work he did, he did it for the Lord. Donald will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love is appearing.” 2 Timothy 4: 7,8

Donald is survived by his wife, Linda Stapleton; his sister, Betty Cowell of Montgomery, Texas; brother, Jim Stapleton and his wife Mary Stapleton of Baird, Texas; daughter, Donna Williams of League City, Texas; daughter, Julie Winkelman and her husband Brian Winkelman of Dumas, Texas; son, Mitchell Stapleton of Amarillo, Texas; granddaughter, Abby Rossi and her husband Sean Rossi of Friendswood, Texas; granddaughter, Madison Ansett and her husband Ian Ansett of Canyon, Texas; granddaughter, Brynne Winkelman of New York City, New York; grandson, Raegan Stapleton and his wife Madelynn Stapleton of Manvel, Texas; grandson, Zakary Stapleton; grandson, Andon Stapleton; great granddaughter, Lillian Rossi; great grandson, Lukas Rossi; great grandson, Lochlan Ansett; great grandson, Augustus Stapleton; great grandson, Everett Stapleton.

Donald’s family would like to express their gratitude for all the support, kindness, and compassion shown to them during this incredibly difficult time.