Don Condron 1933-2019
Don Condron, 86, of Spur, passed away peacefully in Sweetwater Friday, Nov. 22, from congestive heart failure.
He was born Feb. 10, 1933, in Spur to Hade and Audie Condron. Don graduated Spur High School, class of 1950. He attended Texas Tech before entering the U.S. Air Force, serving his country, traveling to France and Africa. Don worked cattle in Arizona and other states before returning to Spur to cowboy and farm. From this point, he wanted to remain in his favorite place, Spur. He married the love of his life, Patsy Smith, on Oct. 20, 1972. They were married 47 years. Don worked for West Texas Utilities as a lineman until 1982 and was Dickens County Precinct 1 commissioner for 12 years. He also was president of the Spur Cemetery Association for several years. He was active in many Spur and Dickens County events, from Little Britches Rodeos, Spur Homecoming Parades, and Dickens County 4-H stock show and roping events. He had quick wit and loved to tell jokes that could keep any crowd rolling in laughter.
He was an active member of the Dickens County Polo Association, winning awards for it. He and friend Vernon Wright revived the team in the early ’80s with a younger crowd, including Terry and Rooster Rain-bolt, Kenny Atkinson and Bobby Condron. They played many games in Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado and Texas, winning the national championship in 1982.
Don was active for many years with the Spur Ex-Student Association. He took tickets for the dance, announced the homecoming parade and was given the Spur Ex-Student Association Award in later years for his efforts.
Don was a loving husband, father, and “Paw Paw” to his family. He became a “built-in dad” to Cindie, Debra and Karen in 1972, but it came natural to him.
He adored his six grandchildren from their first breath. He was the happiest Paw Paw ever with huge smiles when holding each precious baby at their time of birth and couldn’t wait to get them on a horse. He carted them to the DQ to get ice cream and let it drip all over his pickup; he’d get that later — or not. He taught them to drive “Old Yeller” and introduced them to red-dirt roads. There were yearly trips to Old Settlers and Roaring Springs, brandings and driving to show them the cows; some of these grandkids were from oil country and needed that! This tradition continued with 11 great-grandchildren, traveling to be there when each one was born. Because of car-seat laws and such, he was not able to gather them all up in the pickup for ice cream, and he thought that was a bummer.
At 70 years old, Don even floated the Frio River in his long-sleeved cowboy shirt and blue jeans.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Hade and Audie Condron; brothers, Tom and Jack Condron; sister, Jerrie Ballard; and daughter Debra Keahi.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Condron, of Spur; two daughters, Cindie Hester (Gary Winebarger) of Pearland, Texas, and Karen Rainbolt (Terry Rain-bolt) of Sweetwater; six grandchildren: Alison (Justin) York of Odessa; Carey (Stephanie) Hester of Gatesville, Texas; Kendra Atkinson of West, Texas; Ketha (Jody) York of Lubbock; Rusty (Audra) Rainbolt of Marshall, Texas; and Kelly (Connor) Cook of Snyder; 11 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Abby and Chloe York of Odessa; Madison Hester of Gatesville; Bailey, Summer and Rhilee Rainbolt of Marshall; Conley and Kinley Cook of Snyder; and Clay and Madison York of Lubbock; and a host of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services for Don Condron were held Nov. 25 at the First United Methodist Church in Spur, with Eric Swenson officiating. Burial followed the service at the Spur Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home.
A visitation was held Nov. 24.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spur Cemetery Association, First United Methodist Church, Spur Fire Department, Dickens Co. EMS or any charity of your choice.
