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Donald R. 'Don' Mc Carty Midland, TX QCWA # 19191 |
The second son born to Velma and J.O. McCarty was Donald R. McCarty, born on March 26, 1942, in McCamey, Texas. Don spent most of his formative years roaming the countryside on a Gulf Oil lease, at the base of King's Mountain. His mother once described Don as being a happy, quick-witted child. During his school years.
Don became an amateur radio operator at age 12, was an honor student, President of the McCamey High School Band, received the VFW award, and worked at the radio station KCRM, before and after school hours. Three days after graduation from McCamey High School, Don was hired by KOSA Radio in Odessa, Texas, and became known as Don Mac. His former boss, Bob Gold, once described Don as the guy owning the perfect radio voice.
Shortly thereafter, Don met Carla, who he said was closely related to the hurricane Carla, which ended up being the most destructive hurricane ever. Don and Carla married on New Year's Eve in 1961. They reared two daughters, Debra and Laura. Debra is married to Kent Sawtelle and resides in Dallas, Texas, with their two sons, Mitchell Don and Matthew Patrick. Laura married Neal Rutherford and resides in Ft. Worth, Texas, with their two sons, Grant Matthew and Brad Austin. Don was certain that his four grandsons were not only just pretty smart, but also a wonder to behold.
For more than 40 years, Don served his community through numerous leadership positions. He enjoyed public speaking and serving as MC of various events in the community, looking on each event as a unique honor.
Honors/Awards/Affiliations:
Past President Midland Amateur Radio Club Past President Permian Basin Square & Round Dance Association Past Instructor -Tall City Twirlers Round Dance Club Voice of the Lee High Band since 1981 Don McCarty Annual Award to Outstanding Lee Band Member Charter Member of Centennial Lodge #1448 Midland Lodge #623 Representative to Order of Rainbow for Girls Past Master Midland Lodge #623 DDGM - 81st Masonic Lodge #623 Masonic District Instructor - 1982 through 1984 Member of Chapter, Council and Commandery of York Rite Member of Suez Shrine Member of Midland Shrine Club Member of Board of Directors of Midland Scottish Rite Association Board of Directors Midland Masonic Historical Museum & Library Foundation Board of Directors Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation Past President Midland Scottish Rite Association Degree Team Member for 28th & 31st El Paso Scottish Rite Reunion 32nd KCCH Recipient - 1997 "Play by Play" Basketball & Football, 1962 - 1981 Lee Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall - 2000 Past President Keystone Sunday School Class, St. Lukei's UMC Lay Leader of St. Luke's Methodist Church - 2004 Master of Ceremonies for many organizations & events 33rd degree KCCH Recipient - 2006 Golden Trowel Award - 2004.
Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carla McCarty, two daughters, Debra Sawtelle and husband Kent of Dallas, Texas and their sons Mitchell and Matthew, and Laura Rutherford and husband Neal of Ft. Worth and their sons Grant and Brad. Two sisters-in-law Peggy McCarty of Lubbock, and Gayla Phillips and husband Mike Phillips of Crane, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Hospice Midland for taking such loving care of Don in his final days.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 2, 2012 at St. Luke.s United Methodist Church in Midland with Rev. Kathryn Boren, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Masonic Garden.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke.s United Methodist Church 3011 West Kansas Avenue, Midland, TX 79701 or Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.
CREDITS
Obituary/biography: The Midland Reporter-Telegram
Photo #1: The Midland Reporter-Telegram
