Don M Estep

Donald Matthew and Lorna Ethel Bird Estep, and transitioned into his new life with his Lord and Savior on April 21, 2015 and is now reunited with his loved ones who had gone on before.

On February 2, 1951 Don entered the United States Army during the Korean War at the rank of Private. He attended basic military training at Ft. Benning, Georgia as well as infantry school and basic airborne training. After graduation and earning his parachute badge, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne at Ft Bragg, North Carolina as a paratrooper and vehicle maintainer.

During his three years of service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, was qualified as a sharpshooter and was also an amateur boxer. Don was honorably discharged from the military on February 1, 1954 with the rank of Corporal. He served faithfully, with dignity and honor.

After separation from the United States Army, Don began working as a Piping Design Engineer in the Oil and Gas industry. He was employed by Union Carbide for 32 years for Brown and Root for12 years and Bechtel Corp for 8 years. He retired 3 times. Don then took his love for long distance driving and began working for Mercury Delivery Courier Service until the age of 79, where he AGAIN retired, but this time he got it right.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Matthew and Lorna Ethel Bird Estep, his son, Jeffrey Spencer Estep, and his brother in law, Tony Saladino.

Don leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 27 years, Lovella Louise Estep; Daughters, Lorna Gail Estep, Houston, TX, Constance Leigh Estep, Bloomington, IL; Grandson, Christopher Strunk and wife Sarah and great grandsons, Alex and Ryan, San Antonio, TX; Sisters: Arlene Munson, Vienna, WV, Carole Sue Lynch and husband, Bill, Alexandria, VA, Ella Guthrie, Roanoke, VA, Linda Wilson and husband, David, Lehigh Acres, FL, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; Sisters and brothers by marriage: Sharan Basham, Denise Rosse, fiancée Mark Michalak, Norman Amendt and wife Thelma of Richmond, TX.

His blended family: Children, Karen Thompson, David Thompson, Tom Lundquist and Charlene

Grandchildren, Meagan Thompson, D.J. Thompson, Brittany Shipman, Krystal Shipman, Jay Lundquist, Ciarra Lundquist, Madisyn Trexler; Great granddaughter, Cherish Gonzalez.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his precious little dog companion, Lovey Grace and their feline friend, Leo.

A celebration of Don’s life will be on April 24, 2015, 10:00 am at the First United Methodist Church located at 4308 West Davis (Hwy 105), Conroe, Texas 77304. A private interment will take place at Houston National Cemetery, in Houston, Texas 77038.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First UMC Conroe, 4308 W Davis, Conroe, Texas 77034 - Special Needs Ministry, 936-756-3395 or Advent Christian Village, 10680 Dowling Park Drive, Live Oak, Florida 32060, 800-647-3353.

The family wishes to thank Seasons Hospice & Berean Estates Assisted Living whose staff gave Don the absolute best loving and kind care possible, & our church family at First United Methodist Church, Conroe & Spring Woods Baptist Church, Houston who have surrounded us with prayer and support during Don’s illness.

Pallbearers: Christopher Strunk, Tom Lundquist, David Thompson, D.J. Thompson, Jay Lundquist, Mark Michalak, and David Clark.