Don Thomas Etheridge

Don Thomas Etheridge went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, November 6, 2026. His relationship with the Lord began when he was just a small child, and his faith remained an important part of his life. He found joy and comfort in listening to old classic hymns and southern gospel music, especially the Gaither Vocal Group. We are so thankful for the hope we have in Jesus and that we will all get to see Don again one day in heaven.

Don was born on January 13, 1951, in Beaumont, Texas to Don Bernard and Miriam Etheridge. He was their first child and only son, and the beloved big brother to three sisters who absolutely adored him. Growing up, Don enjoyed raising and showing animals through 4H and participating in steer wrestling in the rodeo. He loved trail rides and spending time with other families who shared the love for the cowboy way of life. He also loved playing football, old classic cars, and fishing at the lake.

A proud member of the French High School Class of 1969, Don joined the United States Navy after graduation and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. His time in the military and the friendships he made with fellow service members remained important to him throughout his life. He never forgot the sacrifices made by those who served alongside him and those who never made it home. His appreciation for their service was not reserved for Veterans Day or special occasions; it was something he carried with him every single day. He understood the importance of remembering those who served, especially a generation of veterans whose sacrifices were not always recognized or appreciated when they returned home. Don was proud of his service, proud of his fellow veterans, and deeply grateful for the freedoms they helped protect.

After returning to Southeast Texas, Don began his career as a machinist and eventually retired from Mobil Oil after nearly two decades of service. After his retirement, he followed his dream of becoming a chef and graduated from the Art Institute of Houston with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts. He went on to work for Marriott as the Director of Food Service for many years. Don loved being a chef and truly believed it was his calling in life. He especially loved cooking for his family and friends. He spent countless hours in the kitchen bringing people together and showing his love through every meal he made. For Don, cooking was about so much more than food; it was one of the many ways he cared for the people around him.

In December of 1979, he met Karen Lynne Curtis on a blind date and they fell in love. They were married on May 22, 1980, at the First Baptist Church Bevil Oaks and made their home in Bevil Oaks on the very same property where Don was raised. They enjoyed many years together in Bevil Oaks and especially loved volunteering and cooking Wednesday Night Suppers at First Baptist Church Bevil Oaks. They welcomed their daughter, Amanda, in October of 1982, followed by their son, Andrew Thomas, in February of 1984. Don was the best Dad who truly did everything he could to teach his children the value of hard work, unconditional love, and the never ending support of family. Karen and Don shared 46 years of marriage, building a life filled with countless memories and a love that truly has stood the test of time.

Don loved being a dad, but becoming "PawPaw" brought him a whole new kind of joy. He absolutely adored his three grandsons and treasured every opportunity to make memories with them. Whether he was telling a silly joke just to hear them laugh, taking summer road trips to Tennessee and Florida, cooking alongside them in the kitchen, or cheering them on in their individual sports, he was always their biggest fan. With his cane, or his walker, or in his wheelchair, he loved to be on the sidelines any chance he could get. Seeing the last name they are all so proud to carry across the backs of their jerseys filled him with a pride that words could never quite express. His grandsons were his pride and joy, and being their “PawPaw” was one of his greatest blessings in life.

Don also had a deep love for motorcycles and the brotherhood of the biker community. Riding his Harley-Davidson was more than just a hobby; it was a passion that gave him a sense of freedom, adventure, and camaraderie with others who shared the same love for the open road. He enjoyed the miles traveled, the friendships made, and the memories created along the way. He took great pride in supporting charitable rides and events that raised money for local organizations and helped those in need. He was a proud supporter of the Blue Iron Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and the Beaumont Police Department’s Blue Santa Toy Program. Whether he was riding for the freedom of the open road, the fellowship of good friends, or a cause that made a difference in someone's life, Don was proud to be a part of a community that gave back to others.

And if you knew Don, you knew he loved to make people laugh. He had a way of bringing laughter into everyday moments and making people smile, often when they least expected it. A good-natured joke, a little teasing, or a quick sarcastic comment were just some of the ways he showed his affection. He was a man who enjoyed a good laugh, a good meal, a good motorcycle ride, and, most importantly, having his family gathered around him. Don was also a diehard Houston Astros fan who enjoyed supporting his team and watching the games with those he loved. If there was an Astros game on, you could always find Don nearby. Win or lose, he was a loyal fan through and through, and watching his beloved Astros was just one more way he enjoyed spending time with the people he loved.

Don's greatest legacy will not be measured by the years he lived, the miles he traveled, or the accomplishments he achieved, but by the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his faith, his generous heart, his unmistakable sense of humor, his love of family, and the countless ways he made life a little brighter for those fortunate enough to know him.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 46 years, Karen Etheridge; his daughter, Amanda Etheridge; his son, Andrew Thomas Etheridge and his wife Hope; his three beloved grandsons, Brent Thomas Etheridge, Aiden James Etheridge, and Grayson Michael Etheridge; his sisters, Sarah Ranshaw and her husband, Pete, Donna Kay Rodriguez, and Alice Cammack; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Brent Etheridge, Aiden Etheridge, Dale Etheridge, Travis Cammack, Kirby Cammack, Hunter Curtis, Khristian Curtis, and Wesley Fielder.

A Gathering of friends and family will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 am with burial to follow at the Veteran Memorial Garden in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Blue Santa Toy Run - Beaumont, Texas. Checks can be mailed to Blue Santa Toy Run - Beaumont, TX, 11310 Fairfield Street, Beaumont, Texas 77713 with attention to Sandra Womack.