Donald Roy Gladden (1937–2024): A Life Remembered

Denton, Texas—Donald Roy Gladden, 87, transitioned to Glory on Friday, June 7, 2024. Born on June 2, 1937, in Frisco, Texas, he was the cherished son of Fred and Goldie (Mays) Gladden, and the youngest of two siblings.

Family Bonds : Survived by his devoted wife of nearly 44 years, Martha Gladden, and seven children:

● Toni (Tracy) Lawson of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Laurie (Brad) Freas of Midlothian, Texas; Michael (Cecilia) Gladden of Slidell, Texas; Sara Snow of Grapevine, Texas; Becky (Kris) Samons of Benbrook, Texas; Debbie (Barry) Potter of Lewisville, Texas; Bethany (Pete) Nicholson of Richardson, Texas

● His sister, Joyce Thompson of Lake Dallas, Texas

Generations Remembered : Fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren carry forward his legacy:

● Grandchildren: Ashley (Trevor) Jacob; Jessica (Jonathan) Presley; Stephanie (Ryan) Zeller; Walker Gladden; Jordan Freas; Elijah Snow; Kate Snow; Hudson Samons; Josiah Samons; Macy Potter; Julie Potter; Nate Potter; Lily Nicholson; Jack Nicholson; Anna Nicholson

● Great-grandchildren: Luke and Shelby Presley, and Athena Zeller

Preceded in death by his father and mother; his step-son, Nathan Giddens; his grandson, Nicholas Gladden; his brother-in-law, Willie Thompson; his uncle, Roy Gladden

A Life Well Lived : Don was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend.

His impact resonates with all who had the privilege of knowing him. He married Shirley Knight in 1955 and divorced in early 1980.  He married Martha Marie (Fellers/Giddens) Gladden in November 1980, blending their families from previous marriages into a close-knit unit.

A Life of Service : Don's quiet strength and unwavering faith defined him. For 30 years, he worked as an airplane engine mechanic at Dallas Airmotive (Aviall). Even today, the scent of certain chemicals evokes memories of his dedicated work. After retiring he worked for Fellers Construction for 10 years. Never one to sit idle, he enjoyed being outdoors, tending to cows, and working on his brother-in-law's ranch.

Passions and Memories : A younger Don enjoyed hot rodding, fishing, hunting, and cherished family gatherings. His love for our Lord Jesus was evident to all who knew him. In later years he enjoyed family gatherings, restoring and using tractors, jigsaw puzzles, 3D wood puzzles, and  his daily Dr. Pepper.

Celebration of Life : The family will receive friends and family members at a visitation on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 12:30 PM with the funeral service to celebrate his life at 2:00 PM at Mulkey-Mason, 740 S. Edmonds Ln., Lewisville, Texas. The funeral service will be officiated by son-in-law, Kris Samons.  Interment will follow at Slidell Cemetery in Slidell, Texas on this same day. Don's family extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.  His memory will never be forgotten.