Donald Ray Sewell, Sr.

Donald Ray Sewell, Sr., 76, of Groves, Texas, died Saturday May 7, 2022, at Forever Young Home in Groves.  He was born July 18, 1945, in Nixon, Texas, to Margaret and Jay Sewell.

Don spent his early years in San Antonio, Texas.  As a teenager, he was taught by the infinitely kind John W. Lizana to be an honest and skilled automotive mechanic.  As a young man, he moved to Port Neches, where he spent most of the next fifty plus years in “the Golden Triangle” area.  He worked at Jefferson Chemical, then returned to his calling as an automotive mechanic.

Don was known for his gentle nature, an affection for teasing, his gypsy soul, an unselfishness and willingness to always help others, and living life on his own schedule.

He touched the hearts of all he met, leaving everyone feeling as though they had a life-long friend in him.

Don enjoyed watching and reading westerns, hunting, building and racing cars, Nascar, music and playing his guitar.  He loved the Lord, his family – especially small children, spending time outdoors – especially the mountains, and he especially loved ice cream.

Don and his wife, Diona, loved to travel and spend quality time with family. They spent many a hour on their front porch, enjoying the birds and sharing scripture in praise of the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of twenty-five years, Diona; infant daughter, Teresa Ann; brother, Ricky Sewell; sister-in-law, Enola McGowan and husband Art, and treasured grandson, Devon Martin.

Survivors include his brother, Cody Sewell and wife Shirley of Virginia Beach,Virginia; Gary Sewell and wife Patty of Ingleside; sister, Denise “Necey” Shepherd and husband, Jim of Port Neches; brother-in-laws, Harlan LaBure of Port Acres; and Kirth LaBure of Groves.

Children: daughter, Brenda Sewell of Canyon Lake; Don Sewell Jr. and wife Heather of Lake Travis; daughter, Cindy Yax and husband, Marcus of Windcrest;  daughter, Crystal Segura and husband Kyle of Port Neches and daughter, Desha Jordan and husband Tommy of Port Neches.

Grandchildren: Zach Sewell, Daniel Martin, Jennah Noegel and husband Daryl, Katie Hollister and husband Brayden, Darian Martin, Parker Yax, Gavin Elliott, Kyler Segura and wife Brittany, Konnor Segura, Payton Jordan and TJ Jordan, including 15 great-grandchildren.  Additionally, his church family and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and “outlaws.”

The family would like to extend the sincerest gratitude to Penny Lee and staff at Forever Young Home for the loving care he received and wonderful care at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Institute, your local church or ministry, or any charity that fulfills the needs of your heart.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held by his family and friends at a future date.