Don was born in Ennis, Texas, and spent his early years on a farm in Reagor Springs before moving to Dallas for elementary school. He attended Hillcrest High School, where he met the love of his life, Nenva Spillman, who attended the neighboring Woodrow Wilson High School. Don and Nenva were married in Dallas on September 1, 1961, after which they began their family and a lifetime of love and happiness. Don attended Southern Methodist University for a year and then graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in Accounting.
After graduation, Don secured employment with Mobil Pipe Line Company, where he fulfilled a distinguished career of 35 years. He commenced work in Baytown, Texas and then held various positions in Corsicana, Dallas, Anchorage, and Jeddah Saudi Arabia. Don and Nenva welcomed their oldest son, Randall Wayne, in 1962, and then welcomed their youngest son, Matthew Jefferson, in 1969. Don retired from Mobil Pipe Line Company in 1996 at the age of 55. After which, he and Nenva moved to Moscow, Russia, where Don consulted until he permanently retired back to Plano, Texas, in 1999. In 2014, Don and Nenva relocated to Montgomery, Texas, to be closer to family.
Outside of work, Don was a devoted husband, a caring father, a loyal friend, and a role model to many. He believed that family was the cornerstone of happiness and he cherished every moment spent with them. Whether doing his many chores around the house, sharing various stories, playing golf, or watching his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren in their countless sporting events and school activities, Don always showed up and supported his loved ones unconditionally and enthusiastically.
This enthusiasm carried over into his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was extremely active in White Rock United Methodist Church in Dallas, and most recently, the First Methodist Church in Willis, Texas. He has served many roles in the church over the years, including teaching bible studies, leading men’s groups, and using his accounting skills to reconcile the church’s tithes and offerings.
Don inspired those around him to embrace life’s joys and he taught the value of integrity, humility, and kindness through both his actions and words. He was known for his unwavering faith and kindness, and his legacy of love and guidance will continue to shape and inspire the lives of those around him for many years to come. He was deeply cherished and will be dearly missed.
Don was preceded in death by his father Philip Vines, mother Edna Splawn Alsup, stepfather Hubert Alsup, and brother Philip Vines Jr. Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nenva Vines, his two sons, Randall (Dona) Vines and Matthew (Jennifer) Vines, five grandchildren, Stephanie (Nathan) Poe, Sarah (Joshua) Hansen, Hayden Vines, Ryan Vines, and Emily Vines, and six great grandchildren Major, Murphy, Maddox and Maverick Poe, and Jordan and Julia Hansen. He is also survived by three sisters Janice (Mike) Caylor, Brenda Conway and Kathy (Mike) Eich as well as several nephews and a niece.
A memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas, 77303. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Pallbearers will be Nathan Poe, Joshua Hansen, Hayden Vines, Ryan Vines, Mike Caylor, and Mike Eich.
