Rev. Dr. Donald Charles Blavier, Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully in Tyler, Texas, on May 4, 2025. Born in Pennsylvania on November 28, 1933, to Marguerite Anna (Layton) Blavier and Donald Charles Blavier, Don’s life was defined by faith, service, learning, and love.
In 1938, his mother moved him and his younger brother David to Tyler, Texas. There, Don gained a loving stepfather, Jack Marshall, and a younger brother, Chris, completing a family that would shape the rest of his life. He graduated from John Tyler High School in 1950 and went on to attend Tyler Junior College before transferring to the University of Houston, where he earned a degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting. He was proud to be part of the team that helped launch the nation’s first public broadcasting station.
Don served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Okinawa, where he used his broadcasting background as a radio disc jockey—a role not unlike the one portrayed by Robin Williams in Good Morning, Vietnam. Upon returning stateside, he followed a call to the ministry and enrolled in the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin to become an Episcopal priest. During this time, he married Ardath Baker, and together they had three children.
He served congregations in Jefferson, San Benito, and Temple, Texas. After several years away from parish life—during which he returned to broadcasting and worked for KLBJ in Austin—Don accepted a station management role in Victoria, Texas. That opportunity led him to the greatest love of his life, Betsy McGinty, whom he would marry and cherish for nearly 50 years.
He again accepted the call to serve, becoming both priest and headmaster at Trinity Episcopal in Victoria before returning to school in his fifties to pursue advanced degrees. Don earned a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University and spent the next two decades in private practice, often traveling to counsel military families. He also taught psychology at the university level in Victoria, mentoring and inspiring students with his wisdom and compassion.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betsy, his son Stephen Blavier, and three grandsons—Brenham Blavier, Cyrus Morton, and Owen Brown.
He is survived by his children: Rhys “Chip” Blavier and Sharon Hargrove (Glenn); stepchildren Melissa Morton, Amy Brown (David), and Angus McGinty; his brothers David Blavier (Janice) and Chris Marshall (Linda); six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Don’s life was a tapestry of faith, intellect, humor, and service. A storyteller, a spiritual guide, and a devoted husband and father, he approached each chapter of life with courage and grace. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.
Funeral Service will be Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church with Rev. Michael Koehler officiating.
Fellowship and reception will immediately follow the funeral with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Texas Lighthouse For the Blind.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
