Donald Gene Laswell, 92, of Richmond, Texas, passed away at his home on February 6, 2021 holding his wife’s hand and with family members by his side. He was born in Inglewood, California on January 22, 1929 to Clyde Evert Laswell and Torinda Agnes Wilson. As a young man he lived on a ranch in Parkfield, California where he spent his youth wrangling cattle and riding bulls. Don later moved to Avenal, California and attended high school in nearby Coalinga where he met the love of his life, June Hoskins. During his tenure at Coalinga High School, he was quite the athlete and received a full scholarship to play football for Colorado College.
Don attended Colorado College until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While at boot camp, his footlocker was so meticulously organized, in typical Don Laswell fashion, that it was photographed and used as an example in the Marine Corps training manual. He went on to be selected as the number one Marine recruit for 1951. Don was a very proud Marine, serving his country from 1951-1954 overseas during the Korean War, including duty aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS BOXER. Don married his high school sweetheart, June Hoskins, in a full military wedding on April 14, 1951. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home and finished college at College of the Pacific, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Geology.
Don began his career as a geophysicist for Standard Oil of California. As his career advanced, he accepted many transfers which took him to new locations across the country. In time he accepted a position at Chevron Oil Company in Houston, Texas, from which he eventually retired as a Vice President. Throughout his career, including thirty-five years with Chevron, he made many lifelong friends stretching from Anchorage to New Orleans. He loved woodworking and after retiring from Chevron, he began his “second career” - remodeling houses and building furniture. He was a very talented carpenter and the furniture he built will be cherished by his family for generations to come.
Don had a passion for sports, especially football and golf. He was a devoted Cowboys fan and was known to have several TVs tuned to different channels so he wouldn’t miss a pass or a putt. He also loved animals of all kinds but had a true connection with dogs, especially his Vizsla Rudy, who was always by his side.
He is survived by his wife of nearly seventy years, June Hoskins, their four daughters, Linda Warden and son-in-law Ken of Tyler, Texas; Janet Myers and son-in-law James of Missouri City, Texas; Lavonne (Vonnie) Huey and son-in-law Michael of Richmond, Texas; Marleen Curtis and son-in-law Mike of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Elizabeth Picone, Lauren Kmiec, Christin Capiro, Jessica Simpson, Shannon Yancy, Louis Beyer, Sean Huey, Eileen Huey, Kim Harper, Kevin Warden; and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Don is preceded in death by his father, Clyde Evert Laswell; mother Torinda Agnes Wilson; and brother, Gerald Willis Laswell.
Don was a devoted husband and family man who always made sure “his girls” were taken care of. He gave his time freely and was always willing to help a family member or a friend in their time of need. Don was the “American Dream” personified. He loved his country and believed with devotion and hard work anything was possible. He lived his life with honesty, integrity and taught his children and grandchildren they could do or be anything they wanted. He lived life to the fullest and always had a smile on his face!
Heroes get remembered, but legends never die!
Semper Fi!
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Don to the Marine Toys for Tots.
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