Don McDorman

Don McDorman, age 82, of Abilene, Texas (Former longtime resident of Sweetwater, Texas) passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Wesley Court Retirement Community.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories. Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM.

Donald Glenn McDorman was born on June 3, 1934 in Robert Lee, Texas to John Howard and Wilma Ester (Childers) McDorman. He attended schools in Rowena and Ballinger, Texas, graduating from Ballinger High School in 1952. He married Wilma F. Crenshaw on June 5, 1954 in McCaulley, Texas.

Don embarked on a career with Goodyear Tire Company which moved him and the family around the state. He felt at home in Sweetwater and, following his transfer to Abilene with Goodyear, made the decision to open his own business in Sweetwater. He owned and operated McDorman Furniture and Appliance Center for 46 years (where passersby could observe him blowing off his sidewalk EVERY morning!) and also built and operated Santa Fe Self Storage.

Integrating himself into the community, Don served as a member and longtime deacon of First Baptist Church of Sweetwater; the Chamber of Commerce; President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary during his 42 year membership (with perfect attendance at meetings) in the Kiwanis Club (and could be found in the concession stand of Mustang Bowl at every home game), Housing Authority Board Member, Goodfellows' volunteer, and Chief Juvenile Officer for Boy Scouts of America.  He also served as President and Vice President of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Posse.

"Pop/Poppy" loved animals and enjoyed riding horses and raising horses, sheep and llamas. He also had the occasional pot-bellied pig, deer, and other odd pets who found their way to the "farm" where Pop liked to "play" on his big boy toys on Sunday afternoons - cleaning stalls, digging a tank, or hauling hay. His constant companion, "Dakota," was always by his side.

A man of endless energy and many talents, Don was always willing to lend a helping hand any time of the day or night, never meeting a stranger. With a warm smile, quick wit, and handshake to challenge any, he loved people and remembered everyone’s name. Adored by his family and loved by many, he will be missed. He truly impacted a community.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma McDorman of Abilene, Texas, daughter Kay Dalbert and Husband David of Abilene, Texas, son, Charles (Chuck) McDorman, of Sweetwater, Texas, grandchildren, Layla Ornelas-McDorman and Rick, Crystal Williams and husband Nick, Brandon Benbow and Chantel, and Bethany Dalbert, nine great grandchildren, brothers, Jerry McDorman and Delmer McDorman, and sister, Sherry Fanelli, a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Howard and Wilma Ester McDorman, brothers, Royce McDorman and Howard Wayne McDorman, and sister Faye (Connie) Key. He was also preceded in death by many beloved pets including his German Shepherd, Dakota.

Pallbearers will be David Dalbert, Rick Bledsoe, Nick Williams, Brandon Benbow, Gordon Williams, and Tommy Wood. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry McDorman, Delmer McDorman, Peyton Atkins, Rian Hill, Ethan Bledsoe,  and Skyler Hebert.

The family would like to express appreciation for the compassionate care given by Dr. Sandy Hazelip, Wesley Court, and Hospice of the Big Country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, Texas 79605, Alzheimer’s Association, 301 South Pioneer Drive, Suite 105, Abilene, Texas 79605, or Goodfellows, P.O. Box 785, Sweetwater, Texas 79556.

 Service Information