Donald Hendry McCracken, II
Donald Hendry McCracken, II, 80, of Beaumont, died Thursday, June 6, 2024. He was born on November 10, 1943, in Buffalo, New York.
Don graduated from Beaumont High School. Then following in his father’s footsteps of military service, Don enlisted in the United States Navy pursuing a career as a naval aviator. After basic training and advanced flight training, Don would deploy to support war efforts in the Vietnam War aboard the Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31). After serving his tours as a carrier pilot, Don returned to Coronado, Ca. and continued in the Navy reserves while he returned to school and earned his law degree and then practiced civil law. After years in California, Don then returned to Beaumont to be with his family. While in Beaumont he retired from the reserves at the esteemed rank of Lt. Commander. He then began a career as an officer in a Trust Department conducting estate planning until he retired.
Survivors include his son, D.J. McCracken; grandson, Axel McCracken and Garrett Singleton; brother, Joey Catalano; and stepdaughters, Charlotte Singleton and her husband, Michael Calcote, and Cheryl McKinzie and her wife, Kim Cornelius.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Farrell and Dr. Russell Joseph Catalano, Sr.; wife, Bonnie Shelley McCracken; sister, Robbie Catalano Stephens.
Memorial contributions for Mr. McCracken may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
A gathering of Mr. McCracken’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Burial of his cremated body will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
“Lord please bless me with style, grace, and class until the day I die.” Don McCracken
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- June 15, 2024
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- June 15, 2024
- 11:00 am
Burial of his cremated body
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- June 15, 2024
I worked with Don in the Trust Department for many years. He was a good professional and took great care of his clients. He always had a smile on his face. I enjoyed working with him.
Don’s life was certainly one well-lived, of which Don must have been proud, and the same goes for his family. May the Lord bless his soul.
Don was a good friend and was loved by many. Last I saw him was at our 50th BHS reunion at Sonny Makin’s home. Sonny also has passed away. So sad to lose these
wonderful friends. Of the 241 in the class of 1961, 67 have passed. Comforting to know that Don is now with Bonnie. Rest in peace, old chum.
Remember going to school with Donald at St. Anne’s. May he rest in peace.
It was my pleasure to know Don and work with him at the former Texas Commerce Bank. Rest in peace, faithful servant.
Don and Bonnie were my neighbors in Emerald 2 ….The best neighbors anyone could have..Don n Bonnie had steak nights .filet mignon I think it was Wednesday night.. might have been Thursday….but awesome dinner…Don was to wealthy to stay in Emerald 11 him and Bonnie moved to Copa cobana..built a fine cabin….I remember walking around inside unbelievable…fine as hell. ..I’m so sorry they have passed seems like yesterday…..we always loved Don and Bonnie…even if we we were loyal to Mr Umphrey. Love Cardell n Elly