Born in Houston on October 17, 1951, Donald grew up fascinated by history, weather, and science, graduating from Waltrip High School in 1970 going on to earn his bachelor’s from Texas A&M University. He was a devoted Aggie for the rest of his life. Donald started out in Gulf Oil’s accounting department, but quickly rose through the ranks to become an oil trader working for Meridian, Unocal, Barclays and other companies over the course of his long career. He was often said to be one of the most talented traders on the Gulf Coast (a compliment he never confirmed or denied.) A member of Oaks Christian Church, he was a man of faith, a devoted father, a passionate history scholar, and the best dog parent a canine could ask for.
Predeceased by his mother Blanche, father Joe, brother Tommy, nephew Bryan, and sister Marnella Ward, he is survived by his daughter Dianna Wray, son-in-law Aldo Compagnoni, stepdaughter Denise Cathey, niece Jodie Spitzer, her husband Cullen, nephew Stephen Ward, brother-in-law Ray Ward, brother William, sister-in-law Jolynn, niece Angela and her husband Mark Cook, a host of beloved great nieces and nephews, their children, and loyal friends who will never forget him.
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. on December 3, 2021 at Brookside Funeral Home at Champions, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, Texas 77068, followed by graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079.
