Don Martin Neely's Obituary
Don Martin Neely passed peacefully at his home in Plano, Texas, on December 3rd surrounded by family and his caregiver friends. He was born March 8, 1936, in Justin, Texas to John Martin Neely and Mona Hare Neely and graduated from Justin Northwest High School in 1954.
His Plano friend, Rutledge Haggard, introduced Don to a local girl, Carolyn Ruth Carpenter, when “they were prowling the town.” After some “wooing,” Don and Carolyn married in 1956 and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. After getting married, they both attended North Texas State University (now UNT). Don took a job with Texaco Corporation after graduation, and Carolyn started her teaching career. His brother-in-law, James Miller, meanwhile had started a gardening supply store in Dallas. Seeking to work for himself, Don bought the company in 1970, later renaming it “Miller Grass.”
Over the next 40 plus years, his hard work, gentle nature and Golden Rule ethos saw him blessed with many friends from among his customers and employees. Affectionately known to some of his employees as "Oso Grande" ("Big Bear"), Don was known for having a heart as large as his stature. His favorite part of the job, however, was climbing into a big truck for deliveries, because he “always wanted to see what was over that next hill.”
Don loved both traveling and fishing and spent many days on the water ("fishing, not necessarily catching," as he was teased). He visited many beautiful fishing spots, from the US Virgin Islands, Canada, and numerous trips to Alaska. No place, however, was as special to him as Port Aransas, Texas, alongside friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Ann Miller, and is survived by his wife Carolyn and his three children: John Neely (Kristin), Dr. Joe Neely (Maggie), both of Dallas, Texas; and Jennifer Perkins (Jody) of Fort Collins, Colorado. He was blessed with seven grandchildren - Sarah Neely, Thomas Neely, Annie Mann (Marshall), Katherine Neely, Robert Neely (Claire), Abbie Perkins, and Hayden Perkins - and one great-grandchild, Wilson Mann, who brought extra joy to Don in his last days. He was also survived by a loving extended family that included cousins, nephews and a niece.
Per Don’s request, there will not be a service; in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Operation Kindness or North Texas Basset Hound Rescue.
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