Donald Gordan Heizer

Donald Gordan Heizer, 82, of Benbrook, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2025. Known to all as Don, he lived a life defined by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a deep dedication to his family and community.

As a proud Fort Worth native, Don graduated from Poly High School before dedicating his professional life to education. He started his journey with the Fort Worth ISD as a custodian, but his passion for teaching led him to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Texas Wesleyan University. He spent nine years teaching, first as a sixth-grade teacher for three years and then as a fifth-grade teacher for six years while also holding part-time jobs handling a paper route and driving a bread truck. Don then pursued a master's degree in education administration from the University of North Texas and went on to serve as an elementary principal in Everman ISD for 22 years.

After retiring from education, Don worked at JL Matthews for 11 years and later delivered cars for Pro Financial Company until his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2016. A true medical phenomenon, he defied the odds and survived, his journey inspiring many with his remarkable perseverance and deep faith.

For most of his adult life, Don was an active and dedicated member of Edge Park United Methodist Church and Everman Lions Club, where his commitment to serving others was deeply felt. In his spare time, he found joy in life's simple pleasures: growing tomatoes, shining shoes, hunting, fishing, and meticulously keeping his car clean. Above all, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His steady presence, quiet sense of humor, and genuine kindness will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Woodrow Heizer and Mary Louise Bechtol Heizer; his oldest son, Chris Heizer; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Heizer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth Ann Heizer; his daughter, Jill Heizer; his son, Kyle Heizer, and his wife, Dannette; his brothers, Dennis Heizer and Richard Heizer and his wife, Sara; and his two cherished grandchildren, Kayleigh and Rex Heizer.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Laurel Land’s Chapel of Chimes in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the funeral proceeding at 10 a.m.

To honor Don Heizer’s memory, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the Everman Lions Club in lieu of flowers.