Donald Vurnell Kaiser

Donald Vurnell Kaiser of Edna, Texas, formerly of Houston, Texas, passed away the evening of September 1, 2023. Donald was born November 29, 1928, in Houston, Texas to the late William Louis Kaiser and Leona Strack Kaiser Cherry. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Houston, and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Galveston. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Donald served his country in the United States Navy, enrolling in the Naval ROTC while attending the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating with a BBA degree, he entered active duty as an officer in the Navy on June 1, 1951, with the rank of Ensign. He served as a gunnery officer onboard the USS Rochester during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge into the Navy Reserve on February 10, 1953, with the rank of Lieutenant.

Following his service in the Navy, Donald joined Humble Oil and Refining Company, where he served more than 30 years as an accountant with the company, retiring from Exxon.

He married the love of his life, Vivian Joyce Kersten, in 1953 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where they were long time members. He was a loving, Christlike father to his children, faithful servant of our Lord and His Church as a layman and choir member, leading by an example of faithfulness to the Lord at home and Church.

He is survived by his sons, James Kaiser and wife Janet of Belton, Texas; John Kaiser of Austin, Texas; and Paul Kaiser and wife Leann of Edna, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Kaiser of Pflugerville, Texas; Michael Kaiser of Pflugerville, Texas; Emily Kaiser and husband Evan Rapier of Austin, Texas; Zoe Kaiser of Austin, Texas; Anna Wood and husband Channing of Katy, Texas; and Mark Kaiser of Houston, Texas.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife Vivian Joyce Kersten Kaiser; brother Roger Kaiser; and son Mark Kaiser.

Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Kaiser, Michael Kaiser, Mark Kaiser, Channing Wood II, Channing Wood III, and Ruben Luna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas, or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Edna, Texas.

A visitation for Donald will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5000 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 5000 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091. A committal service will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Kaiser family.