William Donald "Don" Garrett

1941 - 2026

William Donald "Don" Garrett, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in San Marcos, Texas, at the age of 84. He was born on December 28, 1941, in Seymour, Texas, to William Elwyn Garrett and Olive Cleo Hollingsworth Garrett.

At the age of two, they moved to Floydada, Texas, where he made lifelong friends. While in high school he worked part-time as a DJ for the local radio station. Don said, "it was a wonder I didn't turn into a Howard Cosell or Charlie Gibson." Growing up, Boy Scouts was always a big part of his life. Prior to graduating from Floydada High School in 1960, he earned his Eagle Scout award.

After graduation he enrolled in Texas University for a short stint, then transferred to Texas Tech his sophomore year. He graduated from Tech in 1965 with a BBA in Finance.

While at Tech he met his future wife, Carolyn, on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. Carolyn graduated from Tech in May, and they were married in Dallas on July 2, 1966.

After several deferrals to finish college, he signed up with the Army for a three-year hitch and went in as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. His unit, a field hospital unit, was shipped out to Vietnam in March, 1968. He received his Captain's bars on the day he deployed. When he arrived in country he was sent to Da Nang where he spent the balance of his tour as Assistant Adjutant of a medical group headquarters. He completed his service and returned home on Christmas Eve.

After earning his MBA in Finance and Banking from Tech in December 1969, Don began his career with Gulf Oil Corp. in Houston as a financial analyst. While in Houston, in 1972, their first daughter, Kelly, was born. From there, they were transferred to Chicago in 1974 as the district finance manager. In 1976 they were transferred to Seoul, Korea, where he was the V.P. of Finance for Korea Oil Corporation. While there, their second daughter, Jenny, was born in 1977. Don said this assignment was probably the highlight of his career with Gulf. While there, they enjoyed traveling throughout Asia.

He was transferred back to Houston in 1978 as the Asia financial manager. They lived in the "FM 1960" area where he joined the Klein volunteer fire department.

In 1982 he was transferred to Dallas as a district financial manager. Chevron Corporation bought Gulf in 1985 and offered early retirement, which he took. They were ready for their family to put down roots, so they bought a printing business and moved to San Marcos in 1986. In 1996 they sold the business and Don started selling real estate. He earned his CCIM in 2000. Don enjoyed being active in his community. He served as a Chamber of Commerce board member and past president of Crimestoppers, Economic Development Council, Board of Realtors, and San Marcos Lions Club. He celebrated his retirement on his 70th birthday.

Family and friends were always important to Don. He had fond memories of hunting and fishing with his dad and granddad. He had hoped to teach all his grandchildren how to fish. Kelly and Jenny were his pride and joy and their time in YMCA Indian Princess was special to him. For almost the last 30 years he and his Floydada High School buddies enjoyed an annual campout. Don was known for his famous dutch oven peach cobbler. Another favorite pastime was creating special gifts in his woodworking shop. Don and Carolyn also created special memories in their travels over the years with their dear friends Gary and Linda Matsler of Floydada. More recently they enjoyed trips with the Boerne Corvette Club in his shiny red mist Corvette.

At home, Don was a loving husband, father, and granddad. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn, of nearly 60 years. He is also survived by his daughters Kelly Thorman of Missouri City, TX, and Jenny Killebrew of Corinth, TX, and her husband Cody. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carter, William, and Charlotte Thorman, and Ben Killebrew. He is also survived by his beloved Aunt Bett and her children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 15 from 4-6pm at Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos.

A celebration of Don's life will take place on Monday, March 16 at 10:30am at Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos. Burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave. Amarillo, TX 79101

or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network https://pancan.org/?form=FUNGMWGYGJJ

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home, 2001 Ranch Rd 12, San Marcos, TX 78666. For more information and to sign the online registry, please visit thomasonfuneralhome.com. December 28, 1941 - February 23, 2026