Frank Conrad Donaldson

Frank was born on March 13, 1964 in Bartlesville, OK to parents Dr. Erle C. and Grace (Miller) Donaldson. He was his family’s “good luck” Friday the 13th baby. Frank faced challenges from the start as he was born with cerebral palsy (CP). He, however, never allowed CP to be a barrier to achieving his goals.

He graduated from Sooner High School in 1982. Throughout his school years, Frank was actively involved in Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout award at 17 years of age. After high school, he enrolled in junior college at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M. After two years, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma at Norman. Frank earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1986. While at OU, he wrote for the student newspaper, the Daily Oklahoman.

Upon graduating, Frank went to work at Progressive Independence, a non-profit organization that advocated for the disabled. Frank then returned to school at East Central University in Ada, OK and earned a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation.

It was while completing a required internship in Austin, TX for his master’s degree that he met his wife, Elvia. All thoughts of returning to the Midwest were forgotten. Frank and Elvia married on October 7, 1995. While living in the Austin area, Frank made many friends and learned to cheer for the University of Texas Longhorns. The latter made under threats of bodily harm from his wife. He was also a member of Parsons Masonic Lodge No. 222 AF&AM and the Ben Hur Shriners. Frank drove the divan float in many central Texas parades.

Frank worked for the State of Texas, first as vocational rehabilitation counselor and then as contract manager for 30 years.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Elvia Garcia Donaldson and his fur babies, Skyla, Augie, and Molly. He will be missed by his beloved father, Erle Conrad Donaldson, and his four siblings, Vincent Erle Donaldson (Annie), Julia Donaldson, Carolyn Donaldson Morgan (Jon), and Linda Donaldson Clanton (Doug). Numerous nieces, a nephew, and several great-nieces will also miss his presence. Frank was also much loved by his “cousins” on his wife’s side of the family. He also leaves too many loving friends to count.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Wesley Methodist Church, Harlingen, TX, officiated by Pastor Phil Bland. The service will be followed by a reception in the church’s Charter Hall.