Happy Birthday Don! I miss you!

Today Don would have been 57 years old. I miss him SO MUCH! I've had the pleasure of reading his journals and enjoy going through each one tenderly. As I find things that I want to share with you specifically I will send to you either in the mail or via email.

Tomorrow (9-10-11) we are having a Remembrance Celebration for Don & Marion at La Madeleine's on Lemmon off of Oak Lawn from 5-8 pm. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.

As you know, Sunday, 9-11-11 will be 15 months since Don died. I can't believe it's been that long already. This past Wednesday was 5 months since Marion died. I still can't believe he's gone too.

My heart is SO broken and wonder if it will ever heal. I am coping, but not a day goes by without thinking of and missing them both.

I was privileged to be back in their lives from Dec 2005-till their deaths. I know they are in a much better place, where no pain or tears exist and I know without a doubt that I will see them again someday and will spend eternity with them.

You, their dear friends, please always keep in touch with me and know you are very special to me too!

DeeAnn

Mother's Day

As I was posting pictures a moment ago, I came across the ones that were taken last year on Mother's Day. It was a wonderful day. Mom & Alvin met us after church at the Olive Garden in Weatherford for lunch. While we were eating Don called to tell us that they would be in Azle at Mom's that afternoon. So we hurried and all 4 of us drove to Azle to be there when they arrived. They had never seen Alvin's house before and we were all looking forward to seeing Don & Marion.

Alvin, Mom's husband, was a big game hunter and his "trophies" are in their garage. Look at the pictures that I took of us all together in there that day. I love the expression on Don's face as she was standing beside the bear! LOL

After seeing the garage we went into their lovely home where we sat and visited a while. Don gave Mom a Mother's day card and signed it saying that " this will probably be the last mother's day card he would ever give to her." He was right.

Still so hard to believe it's been 10-1/2 months since Don died. I miss him terribly...everyday! I miss talking with him, being with him, I miss our texts and emails.

Mom misses him so much too. She will cry at the drop of a hat at any thought of him. She is comforted in knowing Don is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ who he grew to know and love his last 3 years or so of his life. This is the only real comfort we have.

I know Mother's day is next Sunday, and now both my Mom and Pauline (Marion's mom) are each without a son. Please pray for them this week and all of us in the days and weeks ahead.

I've heard it said that time heals all wounds, well I need a lot more time to heal over the loss of Don & Marion.

Easter without my brothers!

A co-worker just brought me a chocolate marshmellow chocolate egg. Took me back to about 5th or 6th grade when we lived on the corner of Manett and Garrett in Dallas. One of Mom's friends, Joyce Maxwell, brought Donnie and I a BIG box of chocolates for Easter. Such a huge box or so it seemed big at the time. Mom let us have 1 piece, and the rest of it went in the deep freezer and we were allowed to have 1 piece (or if a big chocolate bunny, then we could break off an ear or some part) and eat it once a day.

This is my first Easter without both Don & Marion. Incredible that they are both gone. I miss them both so very much. My heart is broken.

I know they are together and are in Heaven with Jesus and that someday I will join them. I treasure each memory I have of them until I am reunited with them again.

Hope you and your family have a very Blessed Easter!

From Nancy Spivey, Dallas, Texas

Paula and Pauline, I have never met either of you, but I did know Don and Marion. I am so sorry they are not with us. Marion was a dear gentle soul for whom my heart has ached. I will miss him. My thoughts are with you. I hope you find comfort in the hugs of his many friends.

From Stephen Spivey, Dallas, Texas

Marion was so wonderful. He was beautiful. He cared about others and he had a rich personality and sense of humor. I'm glad I got to know him over the years. Treasuring him will have to be done in my thoughts and prayers now. I'm very sorry for both families losses.

From JoAnn Prestridge, Weatherford, Texas

Marion was such a wonderful man, loving & generous to all. I will miss him. May the Lord give you comfort in your loss.

March 11, 2011

Marion was like a brother to me and I loved him dearly. I will miss him SO MUCH and am thankful he is now in heaven with Don. I shall see them both again. My love and prayers are with all the family and his many friends!

DeeAnn Smith
Weatherford, Texas

Marion

March 7, 2011 Marion joined Don in heaven. I still can't believe he's gone. We are all in shock. He was so lonely for Don and just wanted to be reunited with him.

Please keep us all in your prayers as tomorrow is the Memorial service at 10:00 am in Paradise, TX Church of Christ.

Merry Christmas.. or can it be?

Well here it is December 20 and only 5 days til Christmas. Doesn't seem real to me. My sweet brother Don isn't with us this year and we are feeling such an emptiness that mere words can't describe this hole in my heart. I know Marion feels the same.

We went to Ennis to 'celebrate' Christmas with the Dent family cousins and those who were able to attend. It was nice seeing everyone but I just kept expecting and WANTED Don to be there.. to talk to each of us and share some of his wonderful and funny stories or thoughts. He always had something wonderful to share!

We miss him SO MUCH and it's so hard to celebrate Christmas, although Don LOVED this special time of the year. At home we set out the 2' tall Christmas Tree that Don & Marion gave me in 2006 for my very first Christmas back in Texas after so many years. It was perfect then, because they decorated it together and gave it to me. After that first year I gently wrapped a blanket around it with all of the ornaments and lights still on it just how they gave it to me and placed it in the attic. Well, this year Jimmy brought it down and set it up in our living room. It's BEAUTIFUL and just right. I love looking at it and touching the ornaments knowing Don and Marion placed them on the tree just for me. It makes me feel closer to him somehow. Weird huh? Oh well, that's me just weird, but so much missing my brother!

We are not 'doing' Christmas this year and really didn't do it last year. We got together last year but we didn't do the gift exchange like every other year. Don was so sick at this time last year and all I wanted was for HIM TO BE WITH US FOR CHRISTMAS! That's all I want this year too, but it won't happen for me because Don is spending his first of a eternity of Christmas' days with Jesus in Heaven. I can't wait to join him there!

Instead of doing Christmas for our family, we chose a family or families to buy gifts for. Those who really needed something. Yesterday was a very special day for me and I know Don would have loved to hear about it. I don't know if you listen to KLTY 94.9 radio in the Dallas area, but they are a christian radio station and have a 'Christmas Wish' each year. People write in letters for those who they know have a true NEED and if someone 'adopts' this family then their wish is granted.

Well, I wrote in a letter about a co-worker's friend who is 42 and has stage 4 cancer. She has a 10 yr daughter and 2 grown children. Well, my wish was granted by an incredible oncology nurse in Dallas who put the word out to all of her friends and family on facebook, etc. Together they raised enough money to pay her rent for 1 month, paid her electric and gas bill, bought the daughter a bicycle, bought Wanda a video recorder so she can record stories and things for her children to hear even years from now when she is no longer with them. They gave her money, laptop, gift cards, also craft kits for her young daughter, who started making things right away. It was a wonderful memory and one that I will treasure always. I know Don would have loved to hear me tel him all about this as well, and I think he somehow saw or somehow knows what we do.

I do hope each of you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas by celebrating Christ's birth. Please keep Marion, my Mom and myself in your prayers this week as it will probably be the hardest week for us thus far.

We each love you so very much!

DVD's of Don's service

Just to let you know that the DVD's of Don's memorial service and more are being compiled and copied now. It will include a slideshow of all the pictures I had of Don electronically and also the stories that were shared on video after his memorial serivce.

If you want one and have not told me, PLEASE let me know ASAP.

Thanks,
DeeAnn

Happy Birthday Don

Today Don is celebrating his first birthday in Heaven. I'm sure he is with our Granny, Daddy, Wes, Roger, Jim and MANY others having a special celebration!

Here is a picture that was taken three years ago today when we were in Dallas with him and Marion.

Don & Ashley

Spending quality time and great conversation, something that Don did best.

4 Generations

The picture I just posted of Don with our Grandad, Daddy and my son Aaron was taken in Ennis at our Grandparents home. Many years later Don & Marion bought this same house and lived there for years.

The crepe myrtle trees were very special to us as they were in the front yard and always caused excitement when we saw them which meant we were at our grandparents home.

I remember many times when Don & I were very small that we would sit beside the trees and wave at the train engineer as the train would pass by.

boots & hats

I had an unexpected reminder of Don the other day when I stopped in at an estate sale. When I went into one of the bedrooms, there were a couple of girls trying on hats! There were about a dozen fedora-type hats, along with about 6 pairs of cowboy boots. I had mixed feelings seeing them there -- it slapped me again that Don is really gone, & yet, I had to smile, knowing how he would have enjoyed watching (& joining) them with the hats. I sure do miss Don.

JoAnn

Note from DeeAnn to YOU!

The letters posted here are ones that you sent to me for me to read to Don, which I certainly did, often I read the letters to him at least twice. Sometimes he asked me to read certain ones to him again and again. He loved hearing from each of you and I know he heard each letter.

We believe he also knew when people were there visiting him even towards the very end when he wasn't able to open his eyes. He did have some type of response for those who came by to talk to him.

I've just been thinking back to those last few weeks and of all the friends and family who were so thoughtful and incredible to come by, bring food, help care for Don in so many ways! You are truly amazing friends and family! I care deeply for each one of you because you showed such love and care for my sweet brother!

I know there are many of his friends and family who were not able to be there in person towards the end, I want to tell you that he loved each one of you and you were with him in his heart! Please be comforted by these words!

I hope each of you find comfort here on this blog as you read the stories, thought, memories and browse the pictures of Don. Also if you have pictures that you would like to post, please feel free to do so as you create your own blog. Or if you would rather send me an email with pics and your thoughts I can post for you.

Love you,
DeeAnn

I don't have a doubt in my mind or heart that Don is in heaven now and I will be with him for all eternity. I look forward to that time when we are once again reunited.

Letter from Connie Chance... read to Don

Tell Don to try to take himself to a peaceful place in his memories to help alleviate pain. Remember all the Christmases and family reunions spent at the old Byrd school house when we were all kids. Getting in trouble for playing the piano that we weren't supposed to play with @ the Byrd schoolhouse, everyone having to use the one two hole outhouse for a whole day (or the nights during Christmas/New Year party for just our immediate families: kids & grandkids of Mellie Brock Dent (Granny). Those were fun with old space heaters turned on instead of suffering from the heat at the family reunions. Remember Uncle Clyde making an announcement (Christmas- New Year) that he wanted a piece of the "ugly" cake which had fallen & Aunt Vivian exclaiming in horror that he said that. His explanation was that the ugly ones always tasted the best. The boys playing outside @ Byrd in the summer and always stirring up a bee nest somewhere. For some reason, one of the stories that I remember Buddy telling was that one night Don said he was hungry and wanted to know what they were having for supper. Buddy told him that you all were having T-Bones. Don almost started to cry and said, "but Daddy, I don't LIKE BONES!!" He can always remember the good times when you all lived in the garage apartment behind Uncle clyde & Aunt Vivian and we came to visit. I am sure that he & Dusty did some things that would bring a smile to his heart. The old barn, tire shed, fuel pumps, exploring all over the place. I can remember trudging up those stairs to get him when we came to town to visit. Also, I remember how proud he was of being able to live in the "old homeplace" after he grew up and got to remodel it to suit his taste. Did he ever go to Granny's right after a big rain and have to walk jfrom the main road up to the house. By the time you got there, black mud was stuck to your feet so bad that you could hardly lift them and they almost as big as basketballs. I will send more memories if I can dredge any up, it was all so long ago! Tell him that we all love him and keep him in our thoughts & prayers although I am sure that Dad will not be able to make the trip to see him. He is still trying to move along as much as he can, but Marge stays sick all the time, and he has to take care of her. I do hope he realizes how very much his Daddy loved him and he was very proud of him. Although Buddy didn't share his feelings often, he talked about Don several times when he would visit us and it was always bragging about something that Don had done with his life or something that Don had done to help him out with something. I hope Don can let his good memories bring him peace and ease his pain by taking him to better days in his memories, during these very difficult days.

Letter from Jared Fuson.. .read to Don

Don,

Hey friend, brother, and proverbial arch-enemy (big smile and a wink!). As I sit here and think about what I'd like to say to you I am at a loss for words, and so I can't help but think about how much I'd rather give you a hug. I'd love to give you a hug, not to pester you as I have in the past amidst our fun banter, but to show you that I care for you. There really is something warm, loving, supportive, nurturing, healing and powerful in a hug. Lucky for you though, in your playful and perpetual resistance to my hugging, I am still 1000 miles away in Chicago so words will have to suffice. Don, I know you know this, and though it is not something I say often, because of the weight, intimacy and sincerity of the words, I just want you to know that I love you. I love you like an older brother. The love I have for you is one of friendship and family. Don, from the moment I have met you I have not been left wanting in our interactions as we have sought to know each other and make sense of what we are learning in this world and about God. I have learned so much from you and from who you are as a man made in the image of God. I have been encouraged by your life and story; I have been challenged too in many many ways over our numerous conversations, arguments, and teasings of one another over coffee. Even though our friendship has been a short one, I am forever grateful for knowing you. If there is one word that encompasses my emotions towards you right now it is sadness. Sadness because you are suffering immensely, sadness because you are on your way out of this world, sadness because I was hoping to have a longer friendship with you than we've had thus far, sadness for those who are and will be suffering as a result of the enormous loss of YOU in their lives (especially Marion), sadness because I may never get to see you again before you pass, etc. This sadness I feel is not a bad thing, but a painful one. Loss is so painful, and what I am losing in you is an incredible man and friend. I think what I am most sad about is the loss of time that I hoped we would have had together, to know you better, to care for you better, to be cared for as a friend by you, and to grow deeper in our friendship and antagonistic humor towards one another. Don, I respect you immensely, and again I don't feel like any words can do justice to the warmth, love, humor and sadness that exists in my heart surrounding you. I love you Don Dent...I am proud of you! I will never forget you. I am so sorry that you are dying my friend. So so sorry. I know you are suffering, and so I don't anticipate a response, but if there is one...I'd love to know. I will miss you.

With love in my heart...your friend,
Jared Fuson

ps- i know heaven awaits you, so I will see you there! Until that time when I believe we will meet again...just anticipate a big hug! (insert sinister laugh...heh heh heh!)

Letter from Anthony Mark... it was read to Don

My Memory of Don will always be that of a man who was full of love and creativity.

Don loved eclectic beautiful things… and shared his love so generously with all his friends.
I will never forget the time I called Don and told him I was working on a collection and I needed to find some 1950’s dresses to be inspired from... He quickly said lets go to Waco… and off we went. Don spent the entire day with me in his storage unit... it was so hot in that storage unit... it was a mid Texas hot summer and we were searching high and low for dresses... I will never forget the stories he told me about Mr. Cole and how he met Marion and how much he loved Grace Jones and clothes… I learned so much from Don about detail and appreciation for vintage objects and history…Don never did anything subtle... he always had this flair that just left you in awe... He could take anything and make it beautiful... I love Don so much and I will always love his smile and his realness... his caring way about him and never too busy for his friends... He always made time for his friends... I know someday I will see my friend again and we will laugh so hard like we did so many times... What an honor it is for me to say that I had the chance to know Don and to hang out with him…I am a better man because of him...

I love you Don... Heaven is one blessed place to have you…

Your friend forever Anthony Mark

Letter from Brent and read to Don

Don---
I remember the first time we hung out as friends. Brit had mentioned that there was a really cool guy I needed to meet. He mentioned a variety of things about you, but I mostly remember him mentioning alligator skin loafers, retro jeans, and vintage costume rentals if I ever needed one. That grabbed my attention. One thing I do know, he was right about you being a pretty neat guy. You introduced me to alligator loafers, and I introduced you to Chipotle burritos. That first conversation on the porch of your store over burritos was one of the most memorable conversations I have had in the last few years. I mean that. I am thankful for you. I can imagine your reaction as I say this (you might smile, you might say thanks, you might kick me in the shin, not sure...), but God has used you greatly in my life to show me the value of people in my life. You do such a great job of valuing others, and I realized that early on. One of your greatest strengths is how you see value in each individual person, regardless of background, upbringing, race, or religion.

Thankful for you, friend---
Brent Baker

P.S. I know a burrito is probably not on your wish list, but if it is, you know who to call.

Letter from Barbara and read to Don

DeeAnn,
this must be a very hard time for you, but God blessed u and Don because you are here now and can spend this precious time together, I cannot remember any thing much, but I know your dad and mom took videos of you and Don I don't know if your mom still has them but I bet Don would love to see them, one pic. is worth a thousand words,so they say, I remember your dad & mom showing them to us and Don was throwing pears and your mom and dad ran it backward and it looked like he was catching them, I don't know why that sticks in my mind, but it does. thank you so much for the updates we are keeping you,and the rest of the family in our prayers,I was very happy to know Don has accepted Christ as his personal savior.
I think a lot of Don he has always been a sweet and respectful man, B.F. liked him a lot as did my mother,I remember him most as a beautiful little blond headed boy,and you as a sweet little girl,vivian loved you both so much,and loved that you were living there . please give Don and Marion my best and know we are thinking of them, and you.
love Barbara & Chuck

Letter from Melissa written and read to Don

I think every memory I have of and with Don is positive. Growing up, I always remember being SO excited when the 'Keasler clan' went to go see Don and Marion. Trips were full of delicious food, great hugs, classic music, trying on platform shoes and standing in amazement at the infamous boot collection. Gathering around Granny Annie's kitchen table eating KFC, swinging on the front porch and rummaging through her own "thrift shop" is definitely up there too! More recently (over the last few years), Dad, Nathan and I made a somewhat unannounced visit to see Don and Marion....needless to say, they welcomed us with open arms! We spent our time sitting on the front porch, drinking Jones soda, eating the best NY style pizza Dallas has ever seen and talking about life. I remember leaving that trip hoping to, one day, experience the beauty of life that Don has.

Although these are beautiful experiences, my most cherished memory is always feeling so loved by both Don and Marion. Experiencing such genuine, loving relationships is something that the soul never forgets.

With love, Melissa

My Last Letter to Don

Don,

My sweet, friend! You must know how very much I love you! I hate that you’re hurting so badly! I’ll be home soon. I preached this weekend on James 2:14-26. Before I started, I asked everyone in the service to pray for me. The reason being that my heart was so heavy over your condition. I asked them to pray for strength to preach because I was so weak emotionally and mentally, almost physically sick, because of the grief in my heart concerning you! I hate that you are going thru this, Don! I also hate that I’m not there with you right now. I’ll be home very soon. I know you know this, but I’m coming home as soon as I possibly could have and that I’ve wanted to be by your side this entire time. I also told the congregation that you’ve been the single most significant man in my life! No bullshit!

Don, you’ve made such an impact on me. Meeting you changed the trajectory of my life for the better! I met you at the worst time of my life. I was losing faith and at my lowest. Then, I walked into that DTS room and met you. It was in that Starbucks, at our first coffee, that I knew we’d be friends for life! I didn’t know, however, just how deeply God would use you and your experiences to shape and mold me.

I look back and see a different person then. The Brit of today is far more compassionate, aware, mature, and wise. Of course God is the ultimate author of those things, but He used you, Don, to bring about all that growth!!! The crazy thing is that I’m only one of hundreds of people’s lives that have been changed, Don!!! Most men and women hope to influence and mentor 1 or 2 people in their lives, most likely their children. You've done this with countless persons, Don! From the early days of caring for your friends that were dying of AIDS and being a community leader at a time when OakLawn needed solidarity and unity to the tremendous change God has exacted through you in the Evangelical Christian Community in Dallas!

Think about it, Don! How in the world could you get pastors from the biggest churches in Dallas together with gay men in OakLawn??? It’s because you’re so special!!! Never before has this happened! And if Christians had been there in your neighborhood before, it wasn’t genuine and loving. God has used you to bring together two seemingly incompatible groups (at least as far as history has shown). Don, this is so significant! Your life hasn’t just counted, it has totally changed the attitudes, feelings, and most importantly the actions of hundreds of people, myself included!!!

Don, I’d like to ask a favor of you and Marion: I’d like a pair of your Chuck Taylor’s. If it’s okay with you both, I’d like to have a pair of them, preferably your rattiest pair (because Marion always said you looked like a homeless person in them and your torn up jeans J) to remind me always of the calling God revealed to me through you. I don’t ever think that I’ll be able to fill them, for they are much too large to fill, but I promise you that I’ll continue your legacy of love. I promise to walk as best I can in your footsteps, Don! I promise to fight for gays and lesbians! I promise to fight against bigoted Christians that don’t love well, just as I fought against those 2 Bible-college kids on the corner that fateful night! I promise that me and my friends won’t make the same mistakes that the previous generation did with the gay and lesbian community! And, I promise that your name will be honored for the rest of my life! There’s not a week that goes by here in Bali that I don’t mention you. You’ve redirected my life forever, and everyone that knows me knows who you are and how special you are to me!

In you, God provided me with the Father that I never had. I can’t express to you how deeply you’ve changed me with your love for me! You listened for hours and hours as I poured out my heart. I knew you cared because you kept pursuing me! The countless coffees and meals that you bought me made me feel so supported and loved. The clothes you gave me are some of my favorite in my closet! Don, God has used you to change me deeply. The walks we took in the hood made me feel safe. I loved those walks! Thank you for sharing your life with me! Thank you for loving me so well! I will never ever ever be the same!

These words don’t come close to expressing my affections for you, but today, 13 time zones away, they are all I have at my disposal: Don Dent, I love you with all of my heart and can’t thank God enough for blessing me with your love and friendship!

With all the love in my heart,

Brit

Don sat with my family at church at Park Cities Presbyterian most Sundays for a couple of years until his health began to fail. We shared coffee together and talked often about how his new found faith fits into life. Through Don's vision and love for the gay community, he opened much valuable and needed dialog between the conservative church and the gay community. That dialog is still going and will, I believe, be his legacy. We miss Don, his genuine honesty, his loyalty, his thoughtful encouragment, and most of all his courage.

David Newman and Family

Missing my friend

Don touched my heart and brightened my soul. I am a better man for having known him and I miss my friend. My prayers remain with Marion and his family but I know Don is with us - ornery as ever - and that makes me smile. Much love - Bryan Demarie.

Guestbook from Dallas Morning News Obituary

July 11, 2010
Marion and Family,

I was shocked Friday night when a friend told me about Don's passing. He had been such a good friend for at least the last 10 years or so. He was one of the first to come to my side when I lost my partner two years ago. His generosity, love and compassion will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathies to you, his Family and all of us who lost such a wonderful spirit.
~ Glen Eichelberger, North Richland Hills, Texas

June 23, 2010
We New Yorkers first came to know Don through his amazing and powerful testimony on YouTube. He welcomed our efforts to reach him and get to know him. He thrilled us with his latest exploits in sharing the Good News and in opening people's minds as to the breadth of God's Love. Don's almost child-like enthusiasm for his new-found Christian faith was a breath of fresh air to us "old-timers," and we will treasure his memory and look forward to further fellowship in the New Jerusalem!! Prayers and love for his friends and family.
~ Fred Wells, New York, New York

June 18, 2010
Don added a sense of adventure to each day. When he was around you could be sure things would not be dull.
I met him in Montreal in the 90's. Where he was in perpetual from morning to night. He was a really great guy.
~ David Wilhelmi, Boston, Massachusetts

June 18, 2010
Met Don for the first time, back in the early 90's...I was embarrased to ask help for a Buffy outfit, while visiting Gratitudes. He laughed and helped me with a great dress and hat. We had a blast that afternoon
~ Jim Frederick, Dallas, Texas

June 18, 2010
Don was my hero and a wonderful friend for 25 years. I am a better person for having his friendship guide me through life. Milton and I extend our sympathies to Marion and everyone else who was touched by Don's loving kindness
~ Lisa Rice, San Antonio, Texas

June 18, 2010
Don was a dear and special friend to my son Stephen. I am sad that I had such a short time to share his company. He was a kind and loving person who's physical presence,style and smiles will be missed.
~ Nancy Spivey, Dallas, Texas

June 17, 2010
Don and Marion showed me their personality, hospitality, and kindness from the time I was 18, and it has been 20 great years. I am missing Don but know Marion has everything in him that I love and loved about both. I usually wanted to gobble them up, but shopped Gratitude instead, or Don would tell me over coffee that I needed to connect with people despite my fears. I am so thankful. Lots of Love.
~ Stephen Spivey, Troy, Michigan
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June 17, 2010
I've never met anyone like Don before...He always knew the right thing to say to make me feel special and lived in such a selfless way. What a gift he had for bringing joy into the lives of others and loving life. His life inspires me to be fully present in relationships with others because each day we have--the life we are given--is a gift. Our deepest sympathies to Marion and family....We love you!
~ Jana Parker, Waco, Texas

June 17, 2010
Don and Marion have always been a bright star in my life. Don could dress me better than anyone. His vast knowledge of Couture Clothing and vintage wear would never cease to amaze me. It has been an honor to have Don and Marion in my life professionally and personally. He is sorely missed. My deepest love and sympathies to Marion who I will keep and hold close in my heart.
~Lynne Moon - Dallas, TX

June 17, 2010
My friend of almost 30 years overflowed with life, laughter, and love. Many of
my most interesting memories were spent in his, and Marion's, company.
~ Al Gironimi, Iron Mountain, Michigan

June 17, 2010
Life flows into death, as the river flows in to the sea. In death we only cease breathing as our breath is freed from its restless tide and rises up, expanded to seek God unencumbered.

When you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you begin your climb.
And,when the earth finally claims your limbs, you then shall truly dance.

Don,
We know you are now dancing, climbing, and singing! We miss you.
Thank you for being our teacher, our confidant, and mostly, our Friend.
Peace be with you.
~Dr. Mark S Hayes and R. Scott Jeppesen
Jeppesen Hayes, Dallas, Texas

June 16, 2010
My life is better because I knew Don and know Marion. It was my honor to call Don friend.
~ Kat Armstrong, Dallas, Texas

June 16, 2010
We met Don 28 years ago at Northwest Bible Church in our Sunday School class.....quite an unforgettable character. We were drawn to Don's dry wit, humorous commentary on life and his search for God's reality in his life. His complete authenticity taught us more than he knew.

Marion, our heart goes out to you as you begin your life without your dear friend.

God's Peace.....
~ French & Amy Jones, Dallas, Texas

June 16, 2010
Don is an incredible artist and someone who lived a rich and life of vast experiences. Don was always open approachable and an open book regarding the truth of his life.
~ Mark Star, Dallas, Texas

June 16, 2010
What a pleasure to have Don as my cousin! He was always lots of fun, quick to laugh, and as others have said "so real." Don inspired me by the way he overcame hardships and found grace in life. Marion meant the world to Don and I was so happy for their committed relationship. Don has left his mark on the world, and it is a positive one. Surely no angel whill shine brighter than you when you smile, dearest Donnie.
Love always,
~Mary Jo & John Lee, Portland, Oregon

June 16, 2010
We will miss Don. I did not meet Don till a few years ago. His curiosity, passion, and frankness about his search for God was so refreshing. Especially in a culture where people are sometimes afraid to say what they really think. I always appreciated that he didn't mince words. He just spoke his mind and I'll really miss that. He should have a few more of his questions about God and Jesus answered by now.
~ Scott Nelles, McKinney, Texas

June 16, 2010
We will miss you.
~ Barbara, & Chuck Davis, Sachse, Texas

June 16, 2010
Don always had a hug and a smile for me. Everytime I saw him we could always find something to laugh about.He knew I am a big Elvis fan,so whenever he found something "Elvis" he would bring it to me.He always thought of that.The world was a better place because of Don.He will be missed.I feel fortunate to have been Don's friend and I will treasure my memories of him always.
~ Cathy Clark, Dallas, Texas

June 16, 2010
I thank the Universe for giving me Don.
~ Janna Chandler, Dallas, Texas

June 16, 2010
In the last couple of years, Don had an impact upon my life as few others have. He taught me a great deal about love and grace, about loyalty and family, about compassion and friendship, about mercy and selflessness. Until we meet again
~ Glenn Kreider

June 16, 2010
Don was a remarkable person, brave & generous & full of passion for life, and I'll miss him greatly.

It was winter when we first met, at a bar, on his first night ever in Boston, around 16 or 17 years ago. He checked out of his guesthouse the next day, & spent the remainder of his stay with me, at my place. One day during his stay it snowed, & I remember him running down the street with his face turned up toward the sky, his arms spread wide as if to catch the falling snow. He said he'd never touched or felt snow before, & seemed completely amazed by it. Me, I was just hoping it would stop!

You were lucky to have each other, Merion, as I'm sure you know. I wish I could be there now to share memories with you. One of these days let's talk.
~ Tom Merrill, Boston, Massachusetts

June 16, 2010
I'll never forget you, Don.
~ Nathan Keasler, Shreveport, Louisiana

June 16, 2010
My Memory of Don will always be that of a man who was full of love and creativity.
Don loved eclectic beautiful things… and shared his love so generously with all his friends.
I will never forget the time I called Don and told him I was working on a collection and I needed to find some 1950’s dresses to be inspired from... He quickly said lets go to Waco… and off we went. Don spent the entire day with me in his storage unit... it was so hot in that storage unit... it was a mid Texas hot summer and we were searching high and low for dresses... I will never forget the stories he told me about Mr. Cole and how he met Marion and how much he loved Grace Jones and clothes… I learned so much from Don about detail and appreciation for vintage objects and history…Don never did anything subtle... he always had this flair that just left you in awe... He could take anything and make it beautiful... I love Don so much and I will always love his smile and his realness... his caring way about him and never too busy for his friends... He always made time for his friends... I know someday I will see my friend again and we will laugh so hard like we did so many times... What an honor it is for me to say that I had the chance to know Don and to hang out with him…I am a better man because of him...
I love you Don... Heaven is one blessed place to have you…
Your friend forever Anthony Mark
~ Anthony Hankins, Los Angeles, California

June 16, 2010
Thanks Jay.
Don we will always take great pleasure in having known you. May you rest in peace. hal and steve

June 16, 2010
Dear Don, May you rest in peace.

To The Family; God is an ever-present help in your time of sorrow. Know that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

May God Bless You and keep You All is my prayer.

~M. Evans-Taulton

June 16, 2010
Don was a very fascinating guy and lived a very amazing life and helped many people by sharing his story. In recent years I come to know and learn much from Don. Rest in peace dear friend.
~ Jay Maggio, Dallas, Texas