Donald English Obituary

Donald Hale English
January 15, 1938 – January 1, 2025
Donald (Don) Hale English was 86 years old and lived in San Antonio, Texas, and passed away on January 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Don was proceeded in death by his father, David Hale English and his mother, Ruth King English, his late wife, Elizabeth Ann Machacek English, his sister, Nancy Carol English Cox, his brother, Dr. Jolyn English and his brother's late wife, Sharon Louise Selma Eckhardt English.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Jo Arrambide English, daughter, Kimberly DeAnn English, son, Donald Hale English Jr, daughter in law, Jessica Arrambide English, stepdaughter, Melissa Ortiz, son-in-law, Carlos Ortiz, sister-in-law, Shirley Anne Walker English, brother-in-law, Kenneth Cox and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Don's family meant the world to him, and he adored his wife and children.
Don was married to Pat for 9 years, which allowed them to travel and enjoy their life together. Their beach wedding in the Dominican Republic was a joyous celebration attended by numerous family and friends.
His daughter, Kim, was the apple of his eye and they had a special bond. His son, Don Jr and he were two peas in a pod and had the same sense of humor. He also had a special bond with his brother, Joe, ending every phone conversation with "I love you".
Grandpa Don enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Blake Corey Brown and great granddaughter, Ivy Marie Brown, as well as granddaughters, Ellyce and Emersyn Ortiz. Don loved learning Spanish from them after school and they would kid him about rolling his r's. He also enjoyed his fur baby, Gia, his constant companion by his side every opportunity.
Don was known for his Christian beliefs and his unconditional love for his family and friends, his charisma and witty sense of humor. He was a humble and loving person whose cheerful, positive attitude always lit up the room. His cup was always half full, he saw the best in everyone, and he could find humor in just about any situation. He made you want to be a better person.
He was born in Loma Linda. CA, but his family moved in 1946 to Devine, TX. Later they moved to Somerset, TX where they raised livestock and grew crops. One of his daily chores was to milk the cows. When he wanted to join the high school football team, his mother agreed to milk the cows, so he could play football. When he earned a letterman's jacket, he gave it to his mother stating she earned it. He graduated from Somerset High School in 1956 and attend college at Southwest Texas University, San Marcos. He served in the Texas National Guard, 36th Infantry Division for 3 years.
Don Jr was married to Pat's youngest sister, Jessica Arrambide English. Pat's sister became her daughter-in-law, and her brother-in-law became her stepson. Don Sr. used to joke that he was his own grandfather.
In his early years, Don worked for Southern Pacific Railroad while attending college. He was so successful with the railroad that one of his professors asked him to leave his class because he was making more money than a professor. While working for the railroad, he met his first wife, Elizabeth. When he introduced her to the family, they misunderstood his pronunciation of her last name and thought he said, "my hot chick". The story is set in infamy.
After he left the railroad for a career in sales. He was so successful in sales the companies could not match his production. He decided to work for Southwestern Bell selling ads to various businesses traveling all over Texas and New Orleans, LA. He retired from Southwest Bell and continued to sell various products, raised greyhounds and dabbled in Real Estate. He ultimately retired to care for Elizabeth, who had been given a grim diagnosis and only expected to live a few months. Don was her dedicated caregiver for over 11 years.
Don attended church at The Assembly of God in Devine, TX. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, a Mason in the Masonic Lodge and an all-around contributor to his community.
He battled Lewy Body Dementia for the last 6 years of his life. His wife, Pat loved and cared for him the whole time. Kim, Jr and Jessica all showed up to help with this care, listening to stories. Including him in family activities such as monthly BUNCO parties, holidays, trips to Las Vegas, a cowboy game, one memorable outing to Landa Park Pool and of course loved him infinitely. He kept a positive, loving attitude through the entire journey.
Donald will always be remembered for his joviality, sense of humor and the songs he loved to sing. We couldn't ask for a better husband, father, grand/great grandfather, sibling and uncle. We will miss him every day and hold him dearly in our hearts.
A Life Services Celebration will be held on February 8th, 2025, at 10:00 am as follows:
Mission Park Funeral Chapel 3401 Cherry Ridge San Antonio, TX 78230
A family pre-celebration will be at 9:00 am, with a private family burial service which will take place at a later date.
A celebration luncheon will be held at 12:30 after the Funeral Celebration Services at:
Mamacitas Mexican Restaurant 8030 Interstate 10 West San Antonio, TX 78230 210-341-5424. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please make a check donation with a remit note C/O Donald H English Sr. Mail to: Devine Evergreen Association PO Box 452 Devine, TX 78016