Donald John Hetling, Sr.

Donald John Hetling, Sr.

A devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Donald John Hetling, Sr., passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. With family members rocking out to his favorite music, he left his loved ones and went to be with our father in heaven. Don was 83, born in Saint Louis, Missouri on May 29, 1938. Don was the youngest son of Edward Harry and Josephine Hetling. He spent his childhood running around with his beloved brother Edward, with whom he was so close that both joined the Air Force together. Don excelled in the Air Force and retired as a Master Sargent. As a very skilled individual, he applied his skills as a chief engineer and then as the building operations superintendent at the Fort Worth Convention Center, until he retired. Boy, did he hate the long hours of setting up and tearing down the ice for the hockey games, but loved the concerts.

Don enjoyed fishing with his kids. He owned several boats, but the one his beloved kids will remember the most is the bay liner, which was the one that ran great in the driveway but would always have some kind of issue at the lake. All his kids would tease him and say that his boat was allergic to water. Don and each of his kids all took part in working on that boat so they could go to the lake. Building things with his hands, from wood to motors, was one of his favorite activities, and tools were always nearby. Don loved living on a farm with all the animals, especially his chickens and his huge turkey, that everyone would stop at the fence to watch and take pictures of. He loved his pets dearly, including his beloved German shepherds which were a great source of joy to him. He spent the majority of his time gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Don is survived by his wife, Myra Hetling; son, Glenn Hetling and wife Tammie, granddaughter, Elizabeth; son, Jason Hetling and wife Candice, granddaughter, Shyenne, grandson, Jacob; son, Thomas Hetling; daughter, Tegan Hetling; stepson, Martin “Yeti” Marcuse and wife Shelby; Stepdaughter, Larissa Marcuse; brother, Edward Hetling; niece, Margo Hetling; and many friends and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Josephine Hetling; first wife Joanne; sister, Shirley; and sons, Donald John Hetling,Jr. and William Hetling.