Don was born on August 2, 1945, in Shiner, Texas. He grew up in El Campo and graduated from El Campo High School before attending Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, where he majored in Business Administration. While at Sam, he met his wife of 58 years, Linda Christian Vinklarek. Together they had two children, Steven and Holly. They lived primarily on the west side of Houston before retiring to their farm outside of Wharton.
Don worked for State Farm Insurance for over 40 years, first as a claims adjuster, then as an agent in Houston.
He was devotedly religious and attended mass daily for most of his adult life and would have been thrilled to know he died on All Saints Day. He traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures to Australia, or New Zealand or the North Pole and beyond. He enjoyed playing cards with his family (and was known to cheat a little), fishing and gardening, and often bragged about the current “best ever” crop of tomatoes he was growing on his farm. Don could be found having lunch almost daily at Luby’s with his fellow State Farm Agent buddies or cheering on his favorite Houston sports team.
Don was proceeded in death by his parents LT & Adela Vinklarek & his identical twin brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children Steven Vinklarek (Jennifer) and Holly Lewis (Paul); his four grandchildren Christian (Charli) Vinklarek & George, Henry, & Laura Beth Lewis; his sisters Geraldine Graham & LaDell Janda and countless nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be held Friday, November 6 at 10:30am followed by the funeral mass at 11 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 507 S 4th Street, Richmond, TX 77469 with graveside services following.
In lieu of flowers the family requests masses be said for the repose of Don’s soul or for donations to be made to Texas Rite to Life
