Don Waldrop

Lewis Don Waldrop, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Guymon, Oklahoma, on October 20, 1934,

Don grew up in the Amarillo area, where he attended Amarillo High School and proudly played in the Golden Sandie Band. His passion for music continued throughout his life as a skilled clarinetist, also mastering the saxophone, oboe, flute, and piccolo. Don pursued higher education with dedication and distinction. He attended the University of Texas at Austin in 1955 and later earned a degree in psychology from North Texas State University in 1957. A few years later, he earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University. On June 1, 1957, Don married the love of his life, Peggy Richmond, in Pampa, Texas. Together they raised three children: Alice, Alan, and Grace. Don's professional life began at IBM in the early 1960's where he was part of the pioneering era of mainframe computing.

Later in his career, he worked independently as a contractor, serving municipalities and businesses across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex with innovation and integrity. A man of many interests and boundless energy, Don embraced life fully. He loved snow skiing, motorcycle riding, camping, world traveling and beekeeping. He was a devoted man of faith who cherished reading his Bible attending church and especially participating in church choir and song leading. 

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, and his daughter, Alice. He is survived by his children, Alan Waldrop and Grace Bradley; his grandchildren, Chelton Eugene O'Leary, Mica Inaba, and Tyler Waldrop; and great-grandchildren, Lewis and Sidney O'Leary. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, Texas. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service.

A graveside service will follow on Friday, July 11, at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park in Amarillo, Texas. 

Don will be remembered for his curiosity, creativity, devotion to family and faith, and his enduring love of music. His life touched many, and his legacy will live on through all who knew and loved him.