Donna Roy McClellen Anglin died on November 23, 2025, in Hamilton Texas. Donna was born January 18, 1938, on her beloved Galveston Island. She was the second daughter of Roy Roscoe McClellen and Arleeta Madara McClellen. Her sister Carol was her constant companion and little brother Richard completed the family. She cherished the memories of an idyllic childhood surrounded by her family, including 60 first cousins, marred only by her experience of the Texas City Explosion when she was in the fourth grade.
After graduating from La Marque High School in 1956, Donna attended Tarleton State College on an oboe scholarship. She graduated with an associate degree in 1958 and enrolled in the University of Texas in the chemistry department. She finished her bachelor’s and eventually her master’s degree at Tarleton State University.
Donna married Walter Garland Anglin Jr. in La Marque on July 5, 1958. They made a great team for 67 years. Garland cared for Donna during the first five years of dementia showing a love and devotion that is all too rare.
Donna and Garland devoted themselves to their four children, Laura, Larry, Nancy and Gary. Many hours were spent and miles travelled supporting each of them in their various activities. Amongst many of Donna’s accomplished life goals was seeing each of them graduate from college. The only people on earth she loved more than her children were her grandchildren, Tim Anglin, Amanda Thompson, Zachary Anglin, Audrey Daniels, Ann Marie Hudson, Adrienne McGrath, Sophia Yates, and Luke Yates.
Donna was a teacher from birth. She excelled at it, first at Pottsville ISD, then for many years at Copperas Cove ISD, and at Hamilton High School where she created and taught a very successful program in literature and history for the gifted and talented. Finally, she taught water exercise classes at the Hamilton Wellness Center. The truth is, she always liked an audience. Through Facebook, she was able to stay connected with many of these students. She took great pride in their accomplishments.
Donna was brilliant. Everyone who ever met her knew that. This intellect made her a natural bridge player which she enjoyed greatly. She also enjoyed leading her book clubs as she was an avid reader. This made her dementia seem all the crueler. To watch such an intellect fade from us was sorrowful.
Another gift Donna possessed in abundance was her gift of hospitality. For decades, Wednesday night meant supper at Mimi and Papa’s house. She welcomed all. Some weeks there would be 20 people for supper and others 40 or 50. Donna never cared or fussed. She welcomed everyone. For Labor Day each year for the last 45 years or so she hosted a large gathering for homemade Chinese food. It is a tradition carried on in her honor.
Unlike Garland, Donna was happiest when her bags were packed. She travelled with friends, grandchildren, and students. She and Esther Jones saw a large portion of the United States together. That friendship and those memories were special to Donna.
Donna served her community in a variety of ways. In addition to teaching, she served on the Hamilton City Council; she belonged to the Colonial Study Club; she served the library in a variety of capacities over the years; and she was a member of First United Methodist Church where she, of course, taught Sunday School for decades.
Donna’s parents and sister predeceased her. She is survived by her husband Garland, her brother Richard McClellen and wife Linda, her four children along with their spouses Kathleen Anglin, Randy Yates, Robin Anglin and Craig Hopkins,and her eight grandchildren and their spouses Monica Anglin, Mark Thompson, Kylie Anglin, John Daniels, Bo Atkinson, John McGrath and Grace Yates. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Makayla Anglin, Rebecca Anglin, Melody Thompson, Harley Thompson, Malcolm Anglin and Mary Orla Daniels and many extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Hamilton on December 6, 2025 at 11:00 am.
The family requests that any memorial gifts be made to the Hamilton Public Library.
