Donald Paul Elbel, Sr.

Donald Paul Elbel, Sr. of Boerne, TX passed away November 24, 2025 in Seguin, TX.  Donald was born June 6, 1956 in San Antonio, Texas to Frederick Peter Elbel, Sr. and Wanda Elizabeth (Wise) Elbel.

Mr. Elbel was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Frederick P. Elbel, Jr.  He is survived by his son, Donald Paul Elbel, II and wife Jessica Marie; former spouse, Jo Ann Santos; step son, William Allen Campbell, II and wife Holly; brother, Edward Elbel; four grandchildren, Donald Paul “Trey” Elbel, III, Lana Elbel, Gwen Campbell, and Leah Campbell, and one great grandchild, Finn.

Don graduated in 1974 from Robert E. Lee in San Antonio. 

He was very mechanically inclined. At the age of 9, he fixed his Mom's dryer with a paperclip, it ran for years! He was his Dad's right-hand partner, helped him with his race cars, painted, welded, engine building. He built his own street racing cars, raced midget cars, and was very good at it. By the time he was 17, he was certified in Welding and acetylene applications. He worked out on the ranch in Kendalia on the weekends, plowing, planting, hay hauling, building fences, pig pens, had cattle, Spanish goats, and pigs.

Don was a member of the Carpenter's Union, and worked with his Dad at Browning Construction Company.

He opened and managed the Exxon gas station in Bergheim for a couple of years. Worked at Southwest Airlines as head of Building Maintenance and Security. He later moved to Houston, worked at United Rentals for three years. 

Don married JoAnn Santos from Boerne in 1983, had his only son Donald P. Elbel ll.

In 1986 he open Elbel Mechanical Service and Welding and small engine repair. He helped referb the building and Kendalia Dance Halle and started dances again; further adding to the long legacy of the Elbel's history in and around Kendalia. 

After closing the business in good standing, he JoAnn moved and bought a place in Willow City, and worked at Krouskoff's in Fredericksburg, John-Deere equipment. After many years, sold it, and bought 10 acres from his parents, moved back to Kendalia ranch to take care of and be there for his elderly parents. 

He will be missed, he was outgoing, witty, and very proud. He enjoyed his beer, and was a social person. Don enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting. His favorite time of year was hunting season, and Christmas, he kept the traditions going, making his own sausage and jerky. 

He was a very unique man. He will be missed and was loved by many.

"See you on the other side" Gone hunting’ and fishing.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM Friday, December 5, 2025 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Blanco followed by graveside services at 2:00 PM, that afternoon at Kneupper Cemetery in Kendalia, Texas.