Donnie Gene Sewell

Donnie Gene Sewell, 86, passed away Saturday, June 18th, 2016 in Amarillo. Mr. Sewell was born November 14th, 1929 in Nocona, Texas to Luther Wilton Sewell and Lura (Nelson) Sewell. Donnie grew up in Nocona and graduated from Nocona High School. During his lifetime, Donnie worked for Ms. Enid Justin at the Nocona boot factory, worked on a ranch in New Mexico, and served in the United States Air Force for some 15 years, including the Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Bay of Pigs, logging over 5,000 hours as a pilot. Donnie also worked as a welder in California and a game warden in Junction, Texas. In 1964, Donnie married Phyliss Ann Goodwin. This year they celebrated their 52nd anniversary. They eventually made their home in Umbarger, TX and lived in the same home for over 15 years. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents and by his one brother, Billy Ray Sewell, as well as Billy's wife Frances. Donnie is survived by his wife Phyllis, his son Monte and wife Brye (Goolsby) Sewell of Bowie, daughter Dinita and husband Lance Heitz; grandchildren Slader and Max Goolsby, Syndey Heitz, and Cheyenne Camacho; great grandchildren Dakota Heitz and Sophia Camacho; his niece Sheila Chenault, and nephews Kevin Sewell, Randy Sewell, and Ty Sewell. Donnie's funeral service will be Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Scott Morris Funeral Home in Nocona, TX, with interment to follow at Longbranch Cemetery. John Morris, Jr. will officiate. Donnie knew how to be a man, a husband, a dad, grandad, and great granddad. He knew what it meant to work, and he knew how to love his family. Donnie also knew what it meant to love and serve God, and his faith was deeply important to him. While his family will certainly miss him, Donnie goes on to enjoy his sweet reward with God and the heavenly host.