Donald Garrett

Donald B. Garrett
April 22, 1950 – November 2, 2014

Donald Brady Garrett, 64, of Hewitt, Texas passed from this life to his eternal home on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 10:30 pm. In his final months, he battled sudden symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and spent weeks receiving treatment while awaiting a liver transplant at All Saints Baylor Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Services will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at OakCrest Funeral Home. Burial will follow at China Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2014 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

He was born in Lubbock, Texas on April 22, 1950 to Roy D. Garrett and Barbara L. (Bingham) Garrett. In a household with seven other siblings, he found a little more space around the age of 16 by going to live with his Grandmother, who we affectionately called “Mema.” Donald was a hard working high school student and athlete at China Spring High School. He participated in Student Council, Beta Club, Senior Class Vice-President, Boys State and Letterman’s Club. In his athletic pursuits, Donald was an All-District football player and All-District basketball Team Captain, and competed in track; he was nominated for the Southwest Academic Basketball Team.

After wooing her with his motorcycle, Donald married his beloved wife Bonnie J. Garrett on December 22, 1972. They gave life to and nurtured two children; they are also the proud grandparents of six grandchildren. Donald lived his life for the Lord and for his family.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Educational Curriculum and Instruction for Chemistry/Math from Texas A&M University, and was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1973. “Whoop!” He later would return to the Texas A&M University system to complete both his Masters in Education Guidance and Counseling and also his Principal/Mid-Management Certificate.

He served many communities throughout his career in public education. He started his career in 1973 at Lorena High School as a Math/Science Teacher and Girls’ Basketball Coach. He taught and coached at other schools including Robinson, Troy, and China Spring. In 1983, he went to Georgetown and quickly began his career in education administration as the Assistant High School Principal. In 1989, he became the Principal of Bremond High School. He led thousands of students on multiple campuses as the Principal in Lexington, West-Orange Cove, Terrell, Tuloso-Midway and Waco high schools. He retired from Waco Independent School District in December 2007.

He loved his job and had a mission to help students find their purpose in life and become successful in any circumstance. During his long career, he received many accolades and was called upon to speak at national conferences for initiatives he started or supported on his campuses. The most rewarding recognition he ever received was bumping into a grateful current or former student while out running errands.

Donald spent his retired life enjoying working in his vegetable garden, taking road trips with his wife and their friends, and traveling to the Dallas area several times a month to be a part of the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his dear grandmother, Attie Ione Garrett; parents, Roy Donald and Barbara Louann Garrett; brothers, David Garrett and Tommy Barber; and stepmother, Leatha Garrett.

Donald is survived by his beautiful bride of almost 42 years, Bonnie June Garrett; daughter, Amber Rachelle Dunacusky and husband, Joel of Kaufman; son, Matthew Brady Garrett and wife, Kristie of McKinney; his grandchildren Lantz, Hannah, Rebekah, Jay, Samuel and Charis; brother, Ricky Garrett and wife, Anita of Belton; sisters, Cindy Gregory and husband, Larry of Florida, Sharon Toole and husband, Dunner, Karen Bruington and husband, Richard, and Billie Barton.

Don, your enthusiasm for life and love for others will be greatly misse