Donald Eugene Maeker

Donald E. Maeker of Flatonia passed away peacefully and in the presence of family on June 23, 2021. A lifelong farmer, rancher, and avid outdoorsman, Don’s love of the land and the wildlife that flourished on it is a legacy that he leaves to his children and grandchildren and is one that will be passed down for generations.

Don was the son of Harry and Ida Maeker and was born at the family homestead on June 13, 1936. He was devoted to his parents throughout their lifetimes and as the eldest of his siblings, Kenwood and Adrienne, he took great care to be supportive and actively involved in their lives and was dedicated to his extended family.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bitta, his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Christy Maeker of Houston, his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Maeker and Jackson D. Logan, III of Lafayette, Louisiana, and his three grandchildren, Sydney, Barnes, and Davis. He was an especially extraordinary presence in the lives of his grandchildren and they adored him.

Don was a dedicated cattleman until the last year of his life. He was a consummate caretaker and steward of the land he called his own and his love for this country was only second to the love he had for his family. He was a member of the Army Security Agency from 1958 to 1962 and he was extremely proud of his service to his country. He spoke often to his family about his time in the service and shared stories about his travels and adventures while in the ASA. He was especially proud that his family homestead, Maeker Charolais Farm, having been established in 1907 by his great-grandparents, was awarded a 100 year Family Land Heritage award from the Texas Land Commissioner in 2008.

Don was a lifetime member of the University of Texas Exes and he and Bitta were long time football season ticket holders. They faithfully attended most games, rain or shine, for many years and made numerous friends with fellow Longhorn fans who were fortunate enough to be seated near them. Row 71 on the west side of the stadium overlooking the 15 yard line was the place they called home every fall for many happy years.

Don spent the majority of his career years at Smith Farms in Flatonia and as a Loan Officer and Vice President at Fayette Savings Bank in La Grange. He was a lifetime honorary member of the La Grange Rotary Club as well as a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as a member of the Flatonia School Board for thirteen years and served on the Endowment Board of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association for forty years and was the Chair for twenty. He and Bitta also served as members of the Host and Hostess committee at Flatonia Baptist Church for fifteen years.

Special thanks to Don’s dear friends Robert Cunningham, Bryan Berger and Dr. Ira Syler. These gentlemen were especially helpful to Don upon his retirement from farm and ranch life when he could no longer keep up with the duties required of raising his cattle and tending to his family farms. They made life bearable for him when he could no longer do what he loved most to do in life and his family is grateful for their support and their dedication to him.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at the Flatonia Baptist Church on July 10, 2021. A visitation will be held the previous evening on July 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia. A private burial service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Flatonia will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Don’s family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Flatonia Baptist Church Sanctuary Fund, the Flatonia Fire Department or the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter in La Grange.

Don was hardworking, he was honest, he was fair and he was kind. “Pa was a great man” said the youngest of his grandchildren upon his passing. And she was right. He was dearly loved and he will be missed by those who were fortunate to have been a part of his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Maeker family at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com

Smith Funeral Home - 128 East 5th Street, Flatonia, Tx 78941 Phone #361-865-3311