Donald Louis Schellbach

Burleson, Texas – Donald Louis Schellbach, 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away just before his 92nd birthday, on March 7, 2025. Graveside services will be held at the Dallas- Fort Worth National Cemetery on March 28, 2025 at 1 pm.

Don was born in New York City, NY, the son of Louis Schellbach III, and Ethyl Williams Schellbach. As an infant, the family moved to Grand Canyon Village, AZ where his father was employed by the National Park Service and served as the Chief Park Naturalist at Grand Canyon. His early years were spent growing up at Grand Canyon and attending the local elementary school through 6th grade. With no junior or high school at the park, Don transferred to boarding school at Wasatch Academy, in Mount Pleasant, Utah, graduating high school in 1952.

Don spent his summers working at the various hotels along the Grand Canyon rim. On one particular day in 1953, he met a lady hiker coming out of the Canyon, named Wanda “Jo” Tidball. The two fell in love and were married in 1957 in Flagstaff, AZ, continuing what became a 68-year long romance. Together they raised a son, Craig, and daughter, Traci.

Don joined the Air Force in 1954 and became a pilot flying a variety of military aircraft. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology degree from the University of Utah in 1964. His 20-year career with the Air Force included aerial refueling in KC-97 tankers, T-39 utility transports, C-141 cargo transports, and DC-3 surveillance aircraft in Indochina during the Vietnam War. His career included assignments at Bangor Maine, Salt Lake City, Misawa, Japan, Fairfield, California, and Thailand. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 with his final assignment as a C-141 instructor pilot in Altus, Oklahoma.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, the family relocated to Wichita Falls, TX. Having a passion for automobiles, Don initially took a job with JCPenney Auto Center. When Penney’s shut down their auto center division, Don became a counselor with the Texas Workforce Commission, placing countless people into jobs throughout Wichita Falls and surrounding areas. He retired in 1993. He and Jo remained in Wichita Falls through 2021 before moving to Burleson, to be closer to family.

Don’s hobbies included fishing, boating, water skiing, and country dancing. He is credited with having taught his entire family, and much of his extended family, to water ski.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother, Preston Schellbach of Decatur, IL.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68-years, Jo Schellbach of Burleson, TX; daughter, Traci Wyrick and husband, Tim of Killeen, TX; son, Craig Schellbach and wife, Lucie of Burleson, TX; grandson, Calvin Schellbach and wife, Adrian of Oakland, FL; grandson, Joseph Schellbach of Crowley, TX; and great-granddaughter, Shea Schellbach of Oakland, FL.

The family extends our sincere thanks to the wonderful friends and extended family that have stayed in touch with Don and Jo over their many years together. And special thanks also to Comfort Keepers In-Home care for their wonderful caregiver staff who have provided so much support and loving care to both Don and Jo over this last year.

Don’s warmth and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.