Donald "Don" Howard England

On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, Donald “Don” Howard England of Austin, Texas passed from this life into eternal life with Jesus Christ. Don was born on December 15, 1939 in Claiborne County, Tennessee.

He was the oldest of 4 children born to Doyle and Carol England and raised in Oak Ridge Tennessee. Don graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked for IBM for 30 years in Huntsville, AL, Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX. On June 6, 1964 in Anderson county Tennessee, Don married Ermma “Jean” Stroupe. They raised one son, Mark, and two daughters, Barbie and Donna. Don was a member of Great Hills Baptist church, Austin, TX (formerly Allendale Baptist).

Don was very involved and had a dedication, passion, and commitment to serve the Deaf community. Don was a former Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (TSID) President. He was a former commissioner for the Texas commission for the Deaf and was also the Lead interpreter at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, TX. Don also was the namesake of the Don England Trust Fund, and invaluable member of the interpreter profession.

Don was an active member of the Boy Scouts for more than 70 years. As a youth Don earned Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout Rank, Explorer Silver Award and the Youth Religious Award.

Later on, Don was a Lodge Chief and Vigil Honor Member. In 1959 he served in Pellissippi Lodge 230 in Knoxville, TN. Don also served as a Lodge Advisor for Kaskanampo Lodge 310 in Huntsville, AL.

As an adult Don was honored with many Scouting awards including The Silver Beaver award, Distinguished Commissioner Award, Doctorate of Commissioner Science, Scouter's Key, Wood Badge (Walking Wood Badge at Philmont), and the District Award of Merit and James E West Fellowship. Don also received the Founders Award and the Order of the Arrow Centurion Award in Tonkawa 99 lodge.

Don served in almost every single volunteer position in Scouting including many unit leadership positions, such as District Commissioner as well as District Chairman. Don served many years on Summer & Winter Camp Staff at Lost Pines Scout Reservation.

Two of the greatest enjoyments he got in Scouting was Unit Service as a Commissioner and helping youth achieve a greater meaning of Cheerful Service in the Order of the Arrow. Servant Leadership was the example he lived.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Doyle, his mother, Carol, his wife Jean, brother Jackie, and son-in-law Mike Matus. He is survived by his daughter Barbie (Michael) Russell of Austin, TX, son Mark (Kim Ann) England of Iola, TX, daughter Donna (Rodney Jones) Matus of Round Rock, TX. Brother, Jamie (Bobbie Kay) England of Jacksonville, FL and sister Helen Pickens of Peachtree Corners, GA. Don is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.