Donald Ray Luce

Nine days before reaching the age of 90, my dear husband, Don, went to sleep in death. Don was born May 31, 1936, in Wells, Tx. Son of the late Anna Mae Tullos and Cleon Calvin Luce. He passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, in a local hospital.

Don was a quiet gentleman who worked hard, walked tall, and deeply loved his family. His three daughters were his pride and joy. In his younger years, he served in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his military career, he spent time at sea aboard an aircraft carrier. Although he enjoyed seeing many places during his travels, he always missed his family back home.

After retiring from the Navy in 1976, Don moved to Lufkin, Texas, where he lived for the next 50 years. He worked for the city of Lufkin as a building inspector and became a respected member of the community.

In 1979, Don met Billie Engh, fell in love, and they married. Together they shared nearly 47 happy years of marriage filled with love, companionship, and countless memories.

Don loved being outdoors. He took great pride in working the land, tending a two-acre garden that produced an abundance of vegetables, maintaining a beautifully kept yard, and spending time fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn. After fully retiring, Don and Billie traveled throughout the central United States, exploring beautiful and historic places. A lover of history, Don never passed up the opportunity to stop and read every historical marker and placard along the way.

Many cherished weeks were spent at Lake Sam Rayburn with family and friends, gathering with siblings, fishing for bass, and watching beautiful sunsets with Billie. He also treasured the visits of his brother, Billy Joe. The two brothers spent many happy hours fishing together. Billy Joe held a special place in Don’s heart as the older brother who had always been there for him throughout his childhood.

Don was a quiet man of deep faith. He loved his heavenly father, Jehovah, and found great comfort in studying the Scriptures and learning about Jehovah’s promises for the future. He held firm conviction that the hope found at Revelation 21: 3, 4 would one day be fulfilled. Billie looks forward with confidence to the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise of a resurrection and the hope of seeing Don again in God’s righteous new world.

Survivors include wife, Billie Luce of Lufkin; daughters, Elizabeth Luce McClain and Beth Luce Henson and Steve; step-son, Paul Engh and Yvette; step-daughter, Donna Engh Alday and Ricardo; grandchildren Emmeline McClain, Lane Henson, Jerimiah Luce, Tiffany Luce, Courtney Pyle and Zachary Farrell; step-grandchildren, Kolton Alday and Allie Marie Engh; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Donna Gay Ferrell; and brothers Billy Joe Luce and Charles Luce.

Don was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.