Donald Allen Beeler

Donald Allen Beeler (Don) went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 4, 2021. He will be remembered for his legacy of service and the many lives he touched, the measure of a great man. He possessed the most highly prized quality of an honorable man, that of character. Don was genuine, thoughtful, kind and compassionate, and he consistently showed how he valued and enjoyed relationships with people, whether family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and he was known for his perpetual smile and great sense of humor. He was mindful of not just the present but also the future and the impact we have on others. That positive impact made him an exceptional leader. He was highly respected in his professional career and within the community, always displaying values-driven leadership and a high level of integrity.

Don was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 19, 1944, to Fred and Lois Beeler. He attended Webster Groves High School and in 2019 was inducted as a member of its Wall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime accomplishments. He attended Texas Christian University where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and graduated with both a BA and MBA degree. He then attended Trinity University where he earned his MS degree in Healthcare Administration.

Don married Virginia Fischer who he met and fell in love with at TCU. He often told her and others what a blessing she had been in his life, and he in hers. He was devoted to and proud of his son Steven and daughter Allyson, always supporting and encouraging them in all their endeavors. In an interview he said, “Clearly my family has had the greatest influence on my life. I have been married for 40 years (at that time), and we have been blessed with a son, daughter, and new son-in-law.”

His healthcare administration residency was completed under the mentorship of Sr. Angela Clare Moran where he learned and led with his servant’s heart, constantly doing the right thing for the patient and the Associates at Santa Rosa. He shared that knowledge with all of his leadership teams over the years until it became part of the culture of care for every person. Don remained with the CHRISTUS Health family his entire career, from Santa Rosa to then Incarnate Word Health System, to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, to CHRISTUS St. Michael in Texarkana and then back to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa where he culminated his career as Regional President and CEO from 2003- 2010.

Don received numerous awards for his contributions in healthcare. These included the Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award, the AHA Grassroots Champion Award, the inaugural HOSPAC Star Award and the 2009 Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration, the highest award presented annually by the Texas Hospital Association.

Civic participation included serving on the Boards of Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association and United Way. Even after retiring, he served on the Boards of Project Quest, The Village at Incarnate Word, the CHRISTUS Health Quality Care Alliance, and on the Advisory Councils for both the Trinity University and University of the Incarnate Word Healthcare Administration programs. He enjoyed his membership in the Texas Cavaliers, the San Antonio German Club, and The San Antonio Country Club.

Don’s life was enhanced due to his strong faith. He was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church where he has served as a Deacon and Ruling Elder. He considered the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio and Houston as his extended family, and he participated in numerous masses, Jubilees, and other Catholic celebrations. “Their commitment, faith and service to those in need left an early imprint on me that hopefully have been transmitted in my relationships with others.”

As is written in the Book of Ecclesiastes, he believed “For everything there is a season,” and to him it was fully embracing that phase of his life after retirement. That meant to Don more time with family and friends. He never lost his childlike heart, and his grandsons Frankie and Joshua were his pride and joy. They shared so many memories together on the ski slopes in Tahoe, with “Papa and Sissy” in San Antonio during the summer, and he was ever present for so many of their special occasions at their own home in San Ramon, California. Anyone who really knew Don, realized how special and important his dog Chloe was to him. She was another love of his life and brought him much comfort and joy.

Don was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind Virginia, his beloved wife of 52 years, as well as his son Steven Beeler, daughter Allyson Giglio and husband Frank, along with two grandsons, Frankie and Joshua. He is also survived by his brother Craig Beeler and wife Dee, and his sisters-in-law, Linda Hoffman and husband Tony and Carol Olson. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and cousins.

If you wish to honor Don’s memory, donations can be made to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Friends Foundation, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation, Community Renewal International, First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, or the Texas Cavaliers Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Alamo on Monday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will also be live-streamed and will be available for viewing via this link: Click here to watch the livestreaming of Don’s service.