Donnie Gene "Don" Lasiter

Donnie "Don" Gene Lasiter was 83 when he passed on August 2, 2022, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas after a lengthy illness. He was born November 23, 1938, in Tyler, Texas, to Herman and Alliene Lasiter. His family moved to Longview, Texas, where he spent much of his time on a basketball court or baseball field. Donnie was a member of Longview's first Little League All-Star team and excelled in both basketball and baseball throughout his high school days. In his senior year, Donnie was the captain of the Longview Lobo basketball team and was named to the All-District team. He was recognized by his fellow students as "Outstanding Senior" of his graduating class. After high school graduation, Don attended Lon Morris Junior College where he continued his basketball career. In 1960, he was scouted by Coach Harold Bradley from the University of Texas in Austin. He was offered a basketball scholarship to play for the Longhorns. During his two-year basketball career at UT, he was named to the All-Southwest Conference basketball team of 1960. Donnie was also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity as well as the Texas Cowboys organization.

While attending the University of Texas, Don met the love of his life, Nancy Sullivan from Centerville, Texas. They were married on October 7, 1961 in Centerville. They honeymooned on the road to Michigan where Donnie worked on the pipeline until the army came calling. He was drafted and stationed at Fort Hood for two years. When he finished his service in the army, the couple moved to Austin, Texas, where they both finished their University of Texas college careers, and he graduated with a business degree. Don had several careers, which included insurance and real estate. Their two children, Chris and Corey, were born in 1968 and 1971. In 1981, he was offered a job in Madisonville, Texas, with the First City bank where he worked for many years in marketing. Donnie branched out into his own business when he opened Lasiter Real Estate, which was very successful until his retirement. In Madisonville, Donnie was a member of the Lion's Club, Madisonville City Council, St. Joseph hospital board, Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association, and was a President of the Oak Ridge Country Club board. Don was also an avid golfer and loved his days as a "gentleman" rancher.

Donnie was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Nancy Sullivan Lasiter; his son, Chris Lasiter of Madisonville; his daughter, Corey Stoever and husband, Marc Stoever of Round Rock; as well as his granddaughter, Chloe Stoever who is attending Texas A&M University. He is also survived by his siblings, Carolyn King and husband Rex of Pflugerville, and Joan Lewis of Georgetown. Donnie also had two deceased brothers, Darwin Lasiter and GR Lasiter.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on August 27, 2022, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the Fannin Oaks Golf Course and Event Center. All are welcome.

Donations can be made in his name to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org, the First Methodist Church of Madisonville, or the organization of your choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.