Donald L. DeLaney

Donald Lester DeLaney, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in Plano, Texas. He was 76 years old. Don was born in Salina, Kansas, on April 1, 1936 to Ellen (Louise) Itzen and Donald DeLaney.

On October 10, 1952 he married his childhood sweetheart and they cherished 60 years together.

Don embraced life. He created the family motto, “If you’ve missed the fun of it, you’ve missed it all,” and lived by that creed. He was passionate about sports. He loved baseball (except the Yankees) and enjoyed watching all other sports (especially when the Dallas Cowboys lost.) He had a wicked wit and loved to spin a yarn and tell a good joke. One of the ways Don expressed his joy was through song. His family learned to appreciate all genres of music through him.

Don served his country in the United States Army. His patriotism ran deep. He had a profound love and appreciation for this country. Family vacations were adventures with laughter and music filling the car. These treks began with Don, Jodi, and the girls. The tradition continued after his retirement from the US Postal Inspection Service as the grandchildren traveled with them throughout the United States. Road trips through Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Cooperstown, New York, Florida, Utah, South Dakota, and many other states instilled the grandchildren with a sense of respect and gratitude for this country. These trips were where many precious memories of Grandpa were born.

Family was the keystone for Don’s life. He loved and adored his best friend and wife, Jodi. His eyes lit up when she entered the room. He also was devoted to his two daughters, Kathi and Kari, and delighted in their talents and accomplishments. His sons-in law, Rick and Gary, counted Don as both a mentor and a friend. Don was a doting grandfather to eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Don had a deep and abiding faith in the Savior. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Throughout his life, Don exemplified the Savior’s love through his service to others. He not only fulfilled many church callings and assignments such as Young Men’s advisor, nursery leader, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and a member of the bishopric; he and Jodi also served others they met along the way. A listening ear, a shoulder, a bag of groceries, a poem, the use of a car, and a good laugh were just a few of ways that he reached out to help others in need.

Don was a wordsmith whose poems touched many hearts, marked many occasions, and uplifted many souls. Each new child born into the family received a welcome-to-the-world poem. Much of his faith was expressed via metaphor. Friends often requested his poetry in times of grief. He inspired a love of words in his family and the knowledge that words matter. He showed that language can be used for noble purposes. Because he wrote, he will never be forgotten.

Don is survived by his precious wife, Jodi; daughter Kathi Reinbold and husband Rick of Grand Prairie, TX, and children, Erica, Matt, Jeff, Karlie, and Scott; daughter Kari Tolle and husband Gary of Plano,TX, and children Dan, Kati, and Andrew; nine beautiful great-grandchildren. Don also leaves behind two brothers, Jim Swanson and Mike Adams and one sister, Sandy Burrough.

Don was laid to rest in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, January 24, 2013. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 114 E. Price Rd., Brownsville, TX.