August 23, 2026. He is finally reunited with the love of his life, Judy.
Don was born and raised in Amarillo. He attended Palo Duro High School, graduating in 1966, and went on to West Texas State University to pursue his career in IT. Throughout his career, Don worked at Mesa Petroleum in downtown Amarillo, Lubbock County, and later retired from Affiliated Foods in 2018. Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, and Papa. One of his greatest joys in his final days was meeting his great-grandson, Knox Lynn. Don lit up every time he got to see him, and that special memory will be cherished by his family forever.
Don is survived by his son, Jarrett Thompson; daughter, Jessica Evans and husband Paul; grandsons, Colton Thompson and fiancée Alexis, and Kody Shipman and wife Kourtney; and great-grandson, Knox Lynn Shipman.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy; infant son, Jonathan; and his parents.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Patel and his nurse, Jennifer, at Harrington Cancer Center; everyone at Plum Creek Assisted Living, especially Erika, Olivia, Monica, and Nurse Misty; and everyone at Enhabit Hospice, especially Carah, for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Don and his family.
Don, we miss you already, but we find comfort knowing you are with Judy and that we will see y’all again someday. Until then, you will remain forever loved and deeply missed.
