Don Carlisle Millender Sr.

Donald Carlisle Millender, Sr., “Don,” passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and devotion to family, faith, and sports. A lifelong gentleman, Don will be remembered as much for his generous heart as for his remarkable achievements.

Born in Dallas, Texas, on December 15, 1928, Don was the son of Hazel Lagow and Thomas Grady Millender, Sr. From a young age, he was a gifted athlete lettering in multi-sports throughout his time at Forest Avenue High School. He loved sports so much, he stayed to play a second senior season where he graduated in 1946. His time in college began at Southern Methodist University on a baseball scholarship, but due to an emergency appendectomy he was unable to play and transferred to Kilgore Junior College where he played golf, and then went on to Austin College where he excelled in football and golf.

Don was a rare, well-rounded athlete excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and golf—winning numerous accolades and capturing the admiration of all who played alongside him. It was the game of golf that became his lifelong passion. Interested in golf at a young age, he became a caddy at Tenison Memorial Park. He won the City Junior Tournament in 1944 when he was 15 and continued on to win the club championship at multiple clubs including, Riverlake and Van Zandt CC. He was a long time member of Dallas Athletic Club where he was a five time Senior Club Champion. His golf stories were legendary, including achieving an astonishing nine holes-in-one—two of which came back-to-back at the age of 82, with a third narrowly missing by just a foot the following day.

On September 18,1948 in Sherman Texas, Don married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Sladek right before his college football game. They spent 41 beautiful years together. Their love and commitment to one another were the foundation of a life rich in laughter, family, and shared memories.

In 1951, Don began his long and loyal career with the Texas and Pacific Railroad, which later became part of Missouri Pacific and eventually Union Pacific Railroad. He worked with dedication and integrity until his retirement in 1990.

Don had an encyclopedic memory for sports statistics—particularly baseball—and delighted in sharing stories and facts with anyone listening. His wit was dry, his demeanor calm, and his heart expansive. While Don was soft-spoken and kind, those who knew him best will smile remembering his legendary stubbornness and “somewhat” hot temper—a trait that showed up most often on the golf course, in sports debates and in his fierce competitiveness.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine Sladek Millender in 1990, his parents Hazel Lagow Millender and Thomas Grady Millender, Sr., his brothers Grady Jr. and Phillip Edward, his sister Mary Wilson and his sister-in-law, Pauline Millender.

He is survived by his children: Dawn Elaine Millender (Bob Andrews), Mary Lane Moore (Nicky), Leslie Kieschnick (Roger Sr.), and Donnie Millender Jr. (Cheryl); grandchildren: Coleman Moore (Lane), Caroline E’lane Kieschnick Harklau (Jerad), Roger Kieschnick Jr. (Claire), Madeleine Millender Woods (Austin), Baileigh Millender, and Donald Millender III “Trey” (Madison); and his cherished great-grandchildren: Boone Harklau, Hunt Harklau, Lyla Lane Moore, Elliott Kieschnick, Roger Kieschnick III “Tripp,” Margaret Millender “Margot,” Warren Donald Woods, sisters-in-law Martha Millender and Frances Sladek, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the lives he touched with his integrity, faithfulness and unwavering character.

The family would like to thank the numerous caregivers who so lovingly displayed the hands and feet of Jesus as they cared for our dad.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rockwall, 3003 Horizon Road Rockwall, Texas 75032.

He will be dearly missed—and forever remembered—as a true gentleman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man who lived a full and honorable life.

Visitation will be held at Grove Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park on Tuesday June 10th from 4-8pm. Service will be held on Wednesday June 11th at Our Savior Lutheran Church at 11am. Graveside will proceed at 3:30pm at Grove Hill Cemetery.