Don Earl LaRoe

Don Earl LaRoe, 86, of Groveton, Texas, was born on February 26, 1939, in Gladewater, Texas and passed away on September 14, 2025, in Humble, Texas.

A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Don leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and service. He is survived by his children: Erin LaRoe, Emily Tieman (and husband Austin), Lesley LaRoe, and Russell LaRoe; grandchildren: Hunter Branham (and wife Stormie), Clint Branham, Samantha McDonald, Amy Hopson (and husband Chase), and Scott LaRoe; and great-grandchildren: Gemma and Charlotte LaRoe, Sterling Branham, and Lyla and Belle Hopson. In addition to his family, he is survived by a community full of friends and loved ones who deeply cared for him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Errel Dan LaRoe and Maurine Cecelia Eaves LaRoe, as well as his sister, Mary Evelyn Maddox.

Don lived a remarkable life of service and adventure. He began his law enforcement career with the Texas City Police Department, later serving with the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. He worked for several years as a Private Investigator, served as a Deputy with the Trinity County Sheriff's Department, and ended his career as an Investigator for the Cold Springs District Attorney's Office. He also served as Mayor of Groveton and was a candidate for Sheriff of Trinity County.

Never one to shy away from hard work or a good time, Don also owned and operated a local beer joint in Groveton, fittingly called LaRoe's. His cowboy spirit ran deep-he had a passion for rodeo, training cutting horses, and living a life full of grit, independence, adventure, and dedication to the cowboy way of life. His days often read more like a Western novel than ordinary life-marked by challenges, victories, laughter, and a stubborn determination to live on his own terms.

Outside of work and cowboying, Don embraced the joys of everyday living. He loved fishing and crabbing at the beach, competing in pool tournaments, savoring a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream, and time on his beautiful piece of East Texas land. Known as a gifted storyteller, he could make you laugh until you cried-or keep you wide-eyed with his ghost and goblin tales around the campfire.

Don's contagious laugh and positive outlook on life made every adventure a memory worth keeping. He was full of life, easy-going and always down for a good time. Don's quiet faith in the Lord and unwavering loyalty for his friends and family guided his days. He will be remembered as the best dad, paw paw, great-grandfather, and friend-a man whose humor, wisdom, and heart touched every generation. His legacy is carried on in the family who loved him, the stories he shared, and the countless lives he made brighter along the way.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Groveton Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 10:00 a.m.

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