Don Howard Gresham peacefully passed away on December 14, 2022, at the age of 84 at his home in The Woodlands, surrounded by family and friends. Don struggled with several health challenges in recent years but he showed his unshakable courage facing these challenges with a smile and stayed strong for all who loved him, even to the end.
He was born in Lamesa, on December 21,1937, to parents Lem Gresham and Novelle Fox.
While still in High School, Don joined the Army Reserve in 1956, and served our country for 7 years. He then attended Texas Tech University from 1956-1961 and sealed his Red Raider Nation membership with a degree in History. On November 8, 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty. The next 54 years of their marriage would be an incredible adventure.
Don started his professional career working for his parents at their lakeside Marina; his claim to fame was bare-foot water skiing. Don’s years in medical critical care and medical executive sales took him and the family from Texas to California, to Florida, and retiring in Oklahoma before coming back to Texas.
His drive and competitive spirit were exhibited throughout his journey, which included golf with family, a competitive game of darts with those who chose to be decimated, and billiards which he enjoyed throughout his years. He was closely involved with his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities in baseball, cheerleading, football, gymnastics, and cross-country track.
He cherished time at family picnics, backyard barbecues, birthdays, and holidays. Betty drove them throughout Mexico creating their own maps, getting lost, and trying to find the local version of AAA. These adventures led Don to discover and support a bi-lingual school and he assisted in the formation of an orphanage, both in Bucerias, Mexico.
Don was an enthusiastic reader and was often found with a worn copy of a Louis L’Amour book in his hands. He was an avid supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and his beloved Texas Tech Red Raiders.
He deeply loved his wife and his family and was a true and loyal friend with a big smile for everyone he met.
Don is preceded in death by his parents.
Don is deeply missed and survived by his wife Betty and their three children and spouses: Todd Gresham and his wife Vicky, Michelle Hassell and her husband Jeff, and Mandi Smith and her husband Jack. Don was also blessed with 9 grandchildren: Zach Gresham and his wife Jenna, Cameron Gresham, Jamie Ivins, Jennifer Ivins, Josh Hassell, Madeline Hassell, Jacob Smith, Morgan Smith, and Joseph Smith, along with three great grandchildren.
As an expression of sympathy instead of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to be made to
BIG – www.brookwoodingeorgetown.org or The Worship Place - www.twptx.org
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 24, 2023, at 1 p.m. at The Worship Place, Sun City Campus, 811 Sun City Boulevard. Georgetown, Texas, 78633. Pastor Daniel Patrick will officiate.