Dwight Painter

Dwight Painter passed away peacefully on the morning of February 3, 2026, at 6:45 a.m., surrounded by family who loved him deeply.

Born on November 11, 1928, in Nocona Texas to Gilbert Frances and Byrdeen Painter, Dwight was raised in West Texas, where he learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and independence. He was a standout athlete at Forsan High School, lettering in three sports-football, basketball, and track-an early sign of the determination and grit that would define him throughout his life.

At just 17 years old, Dwight enlisted in the United States Army in 1945, answering the call at the close of World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he served for one year-an experience that shaped his quiet strength and lifelong sense of duty.

After returning home, Dwight attended Tarleton State University and began his professional career with Gulf Insurance in Waco. He later worked in West Texas for Continental Insurance Company before continuing a long and steady career in insurance with Allstate. Known for his reliability and integrity, Dwight retired in 1997 after decades of dedicated service.

In 1952, Dwight married Tessie Bell. Together they built a home grounded in commitment, steadiness, and care. In 1958, they adopted their son, David. The family later moved to Abilene in 1963, where they adopted their daughter, Traella. Dwight was a devoted husband and father-dependable, steady, and always present in the ways that mattered most.

After Tessie's passing, Dwight found companionship and routine sharing coffee with a close-knit group of friends at the Lamp Lighter Inn. It was there that he met Daw (Somthawil), whom he married in 1998 and who became the love of his life. Many credit Dwight's longevity to Daw's amazing Thai cooking-which kept things spicy.

Dwight was an avid golfer, a loyal Houston Astros, Texas Longhorns fan, and a lifelong lover of Westerns and country music, especially Ray Price. He was rarely seen without his library card and was always ready for another good book. In 1999, he fulfilled a love of travel with a memorable trip visiting Daw's family in Thailand.

Dwight was a faithful member of Westgate Church of Christ, where he remained active until the end of his life.

In November 2023, Dwight was honored by the Abilene Reporter-News and local television outlets in feature stories celebrating the World War II veteran turning 95 on Veterans Day-an honor he accepted with humility and grace.
Read the feature here:
https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/veterans-voices/its-incredibly-magical-abilene-wwii-veteran-turns-95-years-old-on-veterans-day/

Dwight was the last surviving member of his daily Lamp Lighter coffee crew-a true West Texas gentleman and the last of a dying breed. Abilene will not be the same without him.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Daw; his son, David Painter and Wife Lisa; his daughter, Traella Booth, and her husband, Kevin; Stepdaughter, Sandy Bedore, and her husband, Chris; his Grandchildren, Dustin, Brittany, Ashley, Jacob and his Great-Grandchildren, Trevor, Taylor, Trinity and Tony, Trent and Tristen

Dwight will be laid to rest with military honors at the VA Cemetery.

He will be deeply missed and long remembered.

Funeral Service at Westgate Church of Christ on February 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. Following the funeral, a Graveside Service will take place at the Texas State Veteran Cemetery at 1:00 PM.