Donald Lee Foreback

Donald Lee Foreback, born February 19, 1924 in Brunswick, Maryland, went to be with the Lord on September 7, 2011 in Tyler, Texas at the age of 87. Donald was a loving father and husband. He was very loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma Ruth Atkinson Foreback. She was his bride for 61 years and he never ceased commenting on their lives together and love for one another. Donald is survived by four daughters and one son, Patsy McElroy and her husband Robert of Spring, Texas, Dixie Medford of Arlington, Texas, Victor T. Cauble and his wife Sherri of Houston, Texas, Jo Anne McMeans and her husband Michael of Tyler, Texas, and Linda Sue Brummerhop and her husband Michael of Spring, Texas. He had 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He is aslo survived by his sister, Ms. Helen Minnick of Brunswick, Maryland along with numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends gathering will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 12:00 noon, with service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. at Heights Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Rosewood Cemetery, Humble, Texas.

Donald Lee Foreback grew up in Brunswick, Maryland where he joined the Army his senior year in highschool to serve in World Ward II. In 1947, shortly after the war Donald migrated to Texas where, at the age of 24 he met Norma Ruth. She was four years his senior, a single mom, with five little children. He married her and jointly assumed the responsibility of provision and protection for a new family. After obtaining business education from his GI bill he secured employment with Brown Express Freight Company. There he worked for over 40 years until his retirement in 1988. During those years Donald worked two jobs and spent any free time as an avid "Ham Radio Operator." The walls of the garage, which served as his radio room, were covered from floor to cieling with call cards from radio operationg around the world.

Donald had a natural ear for music and spent many hours playing his guitar. He developed his ability to play the guitar and other instruments in Brunswick alongside his brothers, exspecially his youngest brother, Robert "Tiny." Donald was one of six children and each child had a nickname. Donald's name was "Lucky." It was his music that brought him to Texas where he played in a smal "bluegrass band." Donald was also quite the mathematician and rescued more than one child or grandchild from failure in arithmetic, algebra, or calculus. His mind was amazing and his wit made him a very funny man. However, you would need to sit close to this quiet, gentle man to find his humor for he was shy. Donald was also a member and supporter of the American Legion and American Eagles. He recently received by his 50 year anniversary membership card from the American Legion.

He will be remembered for his love of family, his sweet spring, his sense of humor and the kindess he so graciously lavished on all. He will be remembered for the little sayings, such as, "All of the girls are pretty, but some just barely make it." But most of all he will be remembered for this saying, and his personaly belief, "A life lived for others is a life living."