Donald Sweeney

July 2, 1944 - June 17, 2022

Donald Arthur Sweeney, 77, passed away June 17, 2022. Don was born July 2, 1944 to John and Doris Sweeney. After graduating Comfort High School in 1962, he attended Texas A&M University and graduated with three degrees; a Bachelors, a Masters, and a Doctorate. Don married Ruth Ann Wiley on September 2, 1966 and they reared two children, Elizabeth and Samuel. He continued at A&M for the next 40 years, serving as a professor and as Interim Dean in the College of Architecture, retiring on August 31, 2011. Don also served his country for two years including one year in South Korea.

Don was the recipient of numerous awards from the University and for community involvement: 1969 Charter member of the Association of Former Singing Cadets, 1969 Graduate of Dale Carnegie Course, 1985-87 Interim Dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, 1989 Honorary Citizen of the City of Temple, Texas, 2001 Camp Sweeney, fish camp, Texas A&M University, 2003-04 Excellence in Teaching Award, and 2008-2013 Elder at A&M Church of Christ. He was a gentle giant, loved by his students. He was a great listener and on any given day, you could find him counseling a down-trodden Aggie who had lost his/her way.

Don accomplished much in his 77 years of life but by far his greatest accomplishment was asking Jesus into his life and walking with God as he served his family, students, friends, and community. Because of his acceptance of Jesus, his family has the assurance of seeing him again in Heaven!

Don is reunited in Heaven with his parents, John and Doris (McCreless) Sweeney.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Wiley) Sweeney; his children, Bobbie Jayne Spencer, Elizabeth (Sweeney) Collins, and Samuel Woodroof Sweeney; his grandchildren, Diana (Spencer) Nelson, Lori Spencer, Noah Collins, Trevor Sweeney, and Tara Sweeney; his brothers, John Sweeney and Zachary Sweeney; his sisters, Ellen (Sweeney) Collie, and Sherry (Sweeney) Dreyling; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends their sincere thanks for the special care given by Scott and White Hospital and Hospice in Waco, Texas.

A Life Celebration will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at A&M Church of Christ, 2475 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station, Texas 77845.

Please visit Don's tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share memories and stories.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bryan-College Station Eagle on Jun. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Sweeney

Sponsored by Hillier Funeral Home & Cremations - College Station.

9 Entries

Tad Vaughn

June 15, 2023

Invited to an anniversary post, I can only hope the scars left behind are healing a bit and we focus on Don's spirit serving Him in some deserved top capacity w/o this world's pains on mind & body.

Laura Sam

July 23, 2022

I often found you with my work riding up there to get a something cold to drink and to take a break from the heat or the cold you were bonded with that bicycle that´s for sure you are an inspiration for others very sweet soul you will be greatly missed I´m grateful for the six years that I knew you rest easy sir

Tad & Anjel Vaughn

June 28, 2022

TAMU Masters of Architecture mentor & big brother to all. Great friend for decades & racquetball buddy, consultant to & fro. Humor, high-IQ and great heart all in one, so rare. Regrets that life's distractions & tragedies prevented spending more time with this special one. Seems this year, our Lord is cherry picking the good ones He wants to come home to Him.

Debbie Callaway

June 26, 2022

Dr. Sweeney was my favorite Professor at TAMU!!! I am so very sorry for your loss.

Baylor Scott and White Hospice Waco, Texas

June 24, 2022

Dear Sweeney family, The Baylor Scott and Whtie Waco Hospice family would like to give you our deepest condolences with our thoughts and prayers! It was our great honor being a part with you all during this time! We still care and we are still here for you! God bless you!

CORA ETTA MILLER

June 22, 2022

Ruth, so saddened about Don. I will keep you, Elizabeth &Samuel in my prayers Sending much love Will try to call you later Love

The Sweeney Enterprises Crew

Sent Flowers

Amy Bates

June 22, 2022

So saddened to hear this. So sorry for your loss Ruth. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Larry Degelman

June 21, 2022

I'm shocked and saddened. Don was the first inviting type smiling face I encountered when taking my job at Texas A&M In 1977. He always kept that smile through all the years I knew him right up until now. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him,

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