Donald Raymond Clevenger, 83, of Odessa, Texas, went to be with the Lord his Savior on February 19, 2022 with his family by his side.
He was born to the late Raymond "Cotton" Clevenger and Flossie (McAfee) Clevenger on September 21, 1938 in Floyd, Mo., in a section house of the railroad. Donald attended High School in Bonner Springs, Kans., and graduated in 1956. Shortly after graduating he followed in his family's footsteps and went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 10, 1958, where he became a Radio Operator in the Submarine Service. While serving his country he continued his education and earned several degrees from Grossmont College, Pepperdine University, and Chaminade University. While stationed in Hawaii he retired from the U.S. Navy on June 18, 1979, but remained in the Naval Reserve for a few more years.
He moved his family to Odessa, Texas, where he worked for South West Energy until 1992. He moved back to Orrick, Mo., in 2003, where he would occasionally work as a bank courier. In 2016, he moved back to Odessa, Texas, to be closer to his son as he needed help with everyday life. One of his passions in life was to fish, he also enjoyed traveling, reading, watching baseball and football, and loved to talk about his days in the Navy where he got to see the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Flossie Clevenger; sister, Phyllis Clevenger; and brother, Farris Dee Clevenger.
He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Simpfenderfer (Lane); son, Donald Clevenger Jr. (Lisa); daughter, Krista Clevenger; grandchildren, Amy Collins (Josh), Michael Braithwaite (Chonny), Ashley Miller, Brandon Moore (Amber), Jacob Maynard, Raymond Braithwaite, Cody Maynard, Matthew Braithwaite, Jeanie Smith, and Kevin Smith; great grandchildren, Tanya Eilers, Austin Miller, Brayden Braithwaite, Taije Collins, Ty Braithwaite, Andyn Miller, Caiden Maynard, Brayleigh Braithwaite, Eva Smith, Braxley Moore, Brekyn Braithwaite, Aesir Maynard and Jacob Maynard Jr.; brother, Kenny Clevenger; sister, Neva (Clevenger) Randall; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Don was an amazing man who was very proud of his family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
Memorial Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2022 at Union Baptist Cemetery near Orrick, Mo., with Rev. Ed Birdsong officiating. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and the Ray County Veterans American Legion Post # 237.