Donald Warren Short II

Donald Warren Short, II was born on October 19, 1935, in Marshall, Missouri, to Don and Ernestine Short. He was the beloved brother of Nancy Higgins, who resides in West Virginia. Following World War II, Don moved with his family to Dallas, Texas, where he would build a life rooted in service, family, and community.

Don attended Jesuit High School in Dallas, graduating in 1954. He went on to earn an Associate of Science degree from Arlington State College and later completed courses in applied civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. He proudly served two years on active duty in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.

On December 29, 1962, Don married the love of his life, Loretta A. Maguire, in West Hartford, Connecticut. Together, they raised six children: Shaun, Jody, Colleen, Kate, Kelly, and Mike, creating a large and loving family that remained central to Don’s life.

Don dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He was a member of the Murphy City Council from 1973 to 1975 and served with the Murphy Volunteer Fire Department from 1972 to 2000, including as Fire Chief from 1980 to 1982. He also volunteered with the Garland Police Department in squad inspection.

Professionally, Don enjoyed a long and successful career with Gifford Hill American, Inc., a manufacturer of concrete pressure pipe, where he worked from 1957 until 1992. Beginning as a design technician, he rose to become Manager of Sales Administration. He later continued his service to the community by working for the City of Murphy Public Works Department from 1992 until his retirement in 2000 as Public Works Director.

Don’s legacy lives on through his large and devoted family. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Shaun and his wife Stacy, their children Karolyn (and her husband Bill, parents of great-granddaughter Thea) and Jeff; Jody and Julie, with their children Kyle (engaged to Katherine), Ally, and Jason; Colleen and her husband Craig, with their children Mark (and his wife Jasmine, parents of great-granddaughter Nora) and Megan; Kate and her children Aiden and Riley; Kelly and her husband Jon, with their children Hannah, Daniel, Luke, Clare, Teresa, and Leo; and Mike and his wife Chasity, with their children Anthony, Jake, Mary Grace, and Kolbe. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Dominic.

Don was a beloved husband, father, and friend. He was a man of quiet strength, a gentle soul, and a generous spirit. He was deeply loved by his family and cherished by his community. His life was marked by dedication, service, and a lasting impact on all who knew him.