Donald Cleo Gassaway, Jr.

Donald Cleo Gassaway, Jr. was born on March 4, 1928 in Houston, Texas to Mrs. Mame Gassaway and Mr. Donald Gassaway, Sr. After graduating from Kilgore High School in 1946, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served at Camp Pendleton. He served proudly until 1948 when he was honorably discharged and returned to Kilgore. He graduated from The University of Texas, Austin in 1952. After graduating, he worked for Sun Oil Company for 35 years. 

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Polley M. Patterson Gassaway who died in 1993. They were married for 40 years. He then married Anne Mackenzie Price in 1999. Anne died in 2019 - they were married for 20 years. Betty Flowers, his sister, also preceded him in death as did Sally Price, daughter of Anne. 

 

Don is survived by his daughter, Donna Clopton and her husband, David of Fort Worth, Texas; son Donald Gassaway, III and his wife Jill, of Fresno, California; daughter Laura Weyrens of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandsons Joseph Clopton and Grayson Gassaway; Terry "Bubba" Mackenzie and his family of Fort Worth, dear family friend, Brenda Griffin and his beloved dog, El Toro. 

 

The family is incredibly grateful to the care team at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas. They cared for both Don and his family with amazing compassion, kindness and respect. He died peacefully in their care May 3, 2023. 

 

There will be a memorial service at a later date by Radar Funeral Home of Longview, Texas. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Helping Hands for Little Paws or CARE for Animals. 

 

Arrangements entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.