Donald J Levings Jr.

Donald James Levings, Jr., 78, of Bedford, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 28, 1946, in Superior, Wisconsin, Don was the beloved son of the late Dorothy and Donald James Levings, Sr.

Don spent his early childhood in Wisconsin before his family, including his siblings Jack, Marilyn, and Margaret, relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, in August 1952. He often recounted the blistering heat of that August day as they stepped off the train. The family soon grew to eight children with the births of Marcia, Bob, Chuck, and Maria, all raised in a modest home in Fort Worth's Polly neighborhood.

The Levings family, though not financially wealthy, was rich in love, thanks to their amazing parents. Don’s father worked on the railroad, and his mother, Dorothy, a master child psychologist, taught primarily in Catholic schools. Her innate ability to foster curiosity and a thirst for knowledge led all eight of their children to attend college.

Catholic faith was central to the Levings family, with Holy Name Catholic Church of Fort Worth as their spiritual home. Don and several of his siblings attended Holy Name Catholic School, where their mother also taught. Don’s youth was filled with memories of playing football, baseball, and various other sports with his siblings and neighborhood friends in their small backyard. Summers were highlighted by swimming at Forest Park Pool, where Don eventually became a lifeguard.

After Holy Name, Don attended Nolan Catholic High School, where he cherished the challenging and excellent education he received. He played football for Nolan before transferring to Polytechnic High School to continue playing the sport he loved.

Following high school, Don initially felt a call to the priesthood and entered the seminary. However, he soon realized his true calling was to be married and raise a family. He left the seminary and enrolled at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, earning a BS degree in mathematics. This led him to a successful career in the technology field.

His professional journey included roles at Hartford Insurance Group in Hartford, Connecticut; El Paso Natural Gas in El Paso, Texas; Frito Lay in Dallas, Texas; and M/A/R/C, Inc. in Irving, Texas. Don also founded two of his own businesses. One was acquired by M/A/R/C, Inc., and the other, Renaissance Information Technology, Inc., provided data analytic software to companies such as Frito Lay, Pepsi, and Burlington Northern Railroad.

After retirement, Don traded his desk for the greens, indulging in his passion for golf and working at Grapevine Municipal Golf Course. He and his wife, Cecelia, enjoyed traveling to their favorite destinations in the Monterey and Carmel areas of California. In recent years, they delighted in trips to Italy, Sicily, and France.

In 2019, Don was diagnosed with stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma. He faced this challenge with immense courage, choosing to embrace each day, free from fear or negativity, and celebrating life by trusting in God's guidance. He never complained or felt sorry for himself, expressing gratitude for every day granted by his Creator.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Cecelia; his children, Stephanie Hedderich, Kimberly Crawford, Michael Levings and wife Carol, Donnie Levings, Lori Downs and husband Will, Heather Sinnott and husband Jeff, and Fatima Pittman and husband John. He leaves behind fourteen cherished grandchildren: Piper Hedderich; Aidyn, Sophia, and Logan Crawford; Penny, Maximus, Phoebe, and Polly Levings; Olivia and Grace Downs; Riley, Ava, and Ellie Sinnott; and Mackenzie Pittman. He is also survived by his sisters Marcia and Maria, and brothers Charles (Chuck) and wife Vicki, and Robert (Bob) and wife Christine.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald, his mother, Dorothy, his brother, John (Jack), and his sisters, Margaret and Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

Memorial Mass

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

861 Wildwood Lane, Grapevine, TX 76051

October 8, 2025

10:00 am

Reception

Grapevine Botanical Gardens

Bessie Mitchell House

411 Ball Street, Grapevine, TX 76051

October 8, 2025

12:00 pm