M/Sgt Floyd Donald Gangawer (United States Air Force, Retired)

Known to friends as simply ‘Don’, he served in the Air Force for 26 years, traveling from Texas to the Far East and Middle East and many places in between. In 1949, while serving as a rifle instructor in San Antonio, he met the woman who would be his wife for 65 years, Josephine, at the Malt Shop, where she worked as a waitress. It was love at first sight and they were married a few months later. He loved her deeply and amused himself by sneaking up behind his ‘Josie’ to surprise her with a hug. Her startled reaction proved for continued entertainment. A veteran of the Korean War, he was awarded numerous commendations and medals throughout his service. Much of Don’s career was in education and training, including his work at Northrop Corporation, ARAMCO and Alamo Community Colleges. He was a 32nd degree Mason, following in the tradition of his grandfather.

Don’s many pet dogs were a constant source of joy and companionship. When faced with staying in a rehabilitation center after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, he insisted on regular visits from his beloved dog. An avid golfer, he was happy spending hours on the course or in his recliner watching a PGA tournament.

Don enjoyed working on cars – his cars, his children’s cars, his grandchildren’s cars – and could repair even the toughest of auto-challenges. He took great pride in his house and lawn, continually looking for the next project to keep himself busy.

Don was fiercely loyal to his family and cherished each and every one of them unconditionally. He especially liked children and had lots of fun with some good-natured teasing. His kisses, hugs and tickles were always in demand. Loud, but loving, strong, but gentle, he will be forever missed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and grandchild, Nicole L. Hall and great-grandchild Kelsie S. Beavers; survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Josephine M. Gangawer; children, Donna J. Beavers, her husband Keith, V. Steven Gangawer, his wife Janice, Michael B. Gangawer, Peggy A. Saunders, Denise L. Larson, her husband Michael; grandchildren, Jason K. Beavers, his wife Meredith, Jeffrey K. Beavers, his wife Summer, Amanda L. Gangawer, her husband James Pipes, Stephanie J. Permenter, her husband Bo, Jason Milburn, his wife Cassie, Michael A. Gangawer, T. Adam Saunders, his fiancé Jill Roberts, Cori L. Harbuck, her husband James Hubbart, J. Ryan Harbuck; great-grandchildren, Adrianna M. Beavers, James M. Harbuck, Merrick W. Beavers and Dylan Bryant; brother, Robert James Gangawer, his wife Jean; sisters, Shirley Emery, her husband Steve and Janice Higgins, her husband Tom; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Colonial Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to Alzheimer's Association San Antonio & South Texas Chapter Alzheimer's Association at alz.org/sanantonio.com or send a check to 7400 Louis Pasteur Dr. # 200. San Antonio TX 78229.