DONALD "DON" DUNNIHOO

1943 - 2025

DONALD "DON" DUNNIHOO Donald "Don" Dunnihoo, age 81, of Pottsboro, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on April 11, 1943, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to Floyd Earl and Bonita Vernice (Funk) Dunnihoo. Raised on a 160-acre farm without electricity or running water, Don's early life taught him the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and perseverance. He knew the meaning of a job well done, often helping his family with farm chores like catching chickens and milking the cows for the family's meals. These lessons would stay with him for the rest of his life. Don's childhood was marked by constant movement, as his family relocated frequently for his father's work. Throughout his young life, he attended over 20 different schools before entering high school. From Kansas to Texas, and even New Mexico, Don became accustomed to adapting to new places, making lifelong friendships along the way. He graduated from Shattuck High School in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jones, soon after. Their wedding was simple, but it began a 63-year journey filled with love, laughter, adventure and unwavering partnership. Don worked in many fields throughout his life, but his passion for hard work and problem solving always shone through. A man of his word, Don was known for his dedication and strong sense of integrity. He could fix anything and was always the go-to person when something needed repairing or a problem needed solving. Whether it was a broken fence or a car engine, Don was never one to shy away from a challenge. He took pride in doing things the right way the first time and was meticulous in his work. A proud and selfless man, Don loved his family above all else. He was the epitome of a caretakeralways ready to lend a hand, offer help, or be the first to visit someone in the hospital. His generosity knew no bounds, often giving money to widows or helping anyone in need, without expecting anything in return. Although he could be a little rough around the edges at times, those who knew him best understood that he had a heart of gold. He also valued loyalty and integrity. Don proudly served his country in the Army during the Cold War, earning a top-secret clearance and serving in Germany with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. His patriotism ran deep, and he was incredibly proud of his military service. After his time in the Army, Don found fulfillment as a construction contractor, where he founded Dunnihoo Construction and Texas Drywall. He was known for being his own boss, a role he embraced with enthusiasm. In his 50s, he even took up cycling, a new challenge that he approached with the same tenacity and spirit that defined his entire life. Don enjoyed many hobbies, but his greatest joys came from simple pleasureslike spending time at the lake, fishing, visiting with his dock buddies, tinkering on projects, and gardening. He had a passion for raising farm animals, including cows and chickens, which he tended to with care. He also took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren valuable life lessons, whether it was building a model of the Alamo out of ceiling tiles for school projects or encouraging them to work hard and be honest in everything they did. Don loved the traditions that kept his family connected to their roots. Every Memorial Day, he would visit the graves of his relatives, placing flags and flowers as a mark of respect. He was also a proud grandpa, rarely missing a school or sporting event, or concert. His grandchildren meant the world to him, and he loved being an active part of their lives. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Dunnihoo of Pottsboro, Texas; their two children, Traci Johnson and husband Eric of Denison, Texas, and Greg Dunnihoo and wife Erica of Pottsboro, Texas; five grandchildren, Alex Johnson, Garrett Johnson, Cade Johnson, Taylor Dockery and husband Tate, and Parker Dunnihoo; one great-grandchild, Hayes; his siblings, Luanna Bratcher and husband Monty of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Floyd Alan Dunnihoo and wife Idelma of Shattuck, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his biological father, Floyd Earl Dunnihoo; his stepfather, Emet Leroy "Deke" Gaston; his mother, Bonita Vernice Dunnihoo; and his brother, Charles "Chuckie" Dunnihoo. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Johnson-Moore Pottsboro Chapel, 511 FM 120, Pottsboro, Texas. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Georgetown Cemetery in Pottsboro, where Don will be laid to rest with military honors. Don will be remembered for his selflessness, his dedication to his family, and his love for his country. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, loyalty, and generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.