Donald Lee McCormick

Donald Lee McCormick, a brilliant mind and deeply kind soul, passed away peacefully at his home in Alvin, Texas, on August 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted family. He was 88 years old. Born June 1, 1937, in Vernon County, Missouri, near El Dorado Springs, Don was the cherished son of Estal Floyd "Jack" McCormick and Hazel Orene Taylor McCormick.

A proud graduate of El Dorado Springs High School, Class of 1955, Don stood out both academically and athletically: excelling in math, football, basketball, baseball, and track. He earned All-American honors in football his senior year and served as class reporter on the student council. It was in high school where he met the love of his life, Glenda Lee Allen. They married on May 8, 1959, in Jackson, Missouri, beginning a beautiful life together. They were blessed with two sons: Michael Ray McCormick and Douglas Kent McCormick, born in Huntsville, AL.

Don continued his education at Central Missouri State University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college with a degree in Mathematics. Upon graduating, Don worked as a contractor to the Air Force in Huntsville, AL where, among other things, he trained personnel on the guidance system of the Jupiter Missile. He then moved to Houston, Texas where he enjoyed a 30-year career at NASA Johnson Space Center, working on the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs, applying his intelligence, curiosity, and sense of purpose to one of the most important scientific efforts of his time.

Don and Glenda were among the first 400 members of Sagemont Baptist Church, where they found fellowship and faith. He was baptized at Sagemont on May 9, 1967.

After retiring from NASA in 1992, they returned to their hometown of El Dorado Springs, where Don enjoyed playing golf, practicing golf, watching golf, and talking about golf. When not at the golf course he enjoyed spending time with Glenda and family. Following Glenda's passing in 2005, Don moved to Friendswood, Texas, in 2016 to live with his son Doug and be closer to his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He became an active part of the Friendswood Senior Citizens community and lived each day with warmth and gratitude. There he met Shirley Ann Miller Allen. On January 6, 2018, Don married Shirley and together, they shared seven wonderful years full of joy, companionship, family gatherings, golf outings, and the laughter of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Glenda Lee Allen McCormick; his parents, Estal Floyd "Jack" McCormick and Hazel Orene Taylor; his brothers, Estal and Sam, and sister, Darlene. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his sons, Mike McCormick and Doug (Sandra) McCormick; his grandchildren, Morgan McCormick (Mark) Case and Stephanie (Wes) Finch; his brother, Jerry (Donna) and sister, Dolores Duffey; his stepdaughters, Valores Desormeaux and Pam (Paul) Brown; five step-grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.

Donald McCormick's legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the love he gave so freely. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Don lived his life with purpose, grace, and love.

In lieu of flowers donations, the family suggests donation be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.