Donald Wayne Goettee, age 79 of Livingston, Texas, passed away on April 26, 2013, in Livingston. Donald was born on July 19, 1933, in Trinity, Texas, to parents, Frank Allen and Mary Evelyn O?ÇÖDonnell Goettee.

Donald is preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Sonny Goettee; and sisters, Pat Medley, Ola Faye Smith, and Janis Chesser. He is survived by his wife, Fran Goettee, of Livingston, Texas; son, Terry Edwards, of Kingwood, Texas; daughter, Cheryl Holsey, of Livingston, Texas; brother-in-law, Fred Chesser, of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren, Terrence Edwards and fiance Huong (Hanna) Cao., of San Antonio, Texas, Donald Edwards and wife Kristen, of Conroe, Texas, Treanna Peavler, of San Antonio, Texas, and Angel Fuentes, of San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren, Alora Peavler, of San Antonio, Texas, Alexis Fuentes, of San Antonio, Texas, Sofia Edwards, of Conroe, Texas, Max Martinez, of San Antonio, Texas, and Wyatt Edwards, of Conroe, Texas; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Don was known as ""Red"" by family and close friends, not even recognizing his given name when his first grade teacher called roll. He was a kind, gentle man, with a generous heart.

He fell in love with Frances (Fran) Blankenship Edwards, marrying her July 22, 1955, in the Nazarene Church, Channelview, TX. He gave his heart as well to her two young children, Terry and Cheryl, claiming them as his own, being a loving, caring dad.

Don was a hard worker who had learned carpentry from his Grand Daddy Will, building the first house for his new family while working a full time job at Armco Steel in Houston. He left there to go into business for himself, doing carpentry and remodeling with Fran at his side. Together they remodeled a number of homes living in some of them for a while before selling, then moving to the next project.

Don loved the outdoors often sitting outside observing birds and wildlife, just watching the goings and comings on the streets near home, and was always delighted to have someone stop by to sit with him, drink a cup of coffee or play dominoes. He was an avid deer hunter working on his deer lease several months of the year, and a prolific fisherman keeping family and friends supplied with catfish and crappie. His favorite thing to do when there was no one to visit with was mowing, which was very relaxing and satisfying to him.

He and Fran were long time members of the Trinity Valley Good Sam'; the monthly camp outs were much anticipated. They loved traveling to the various RV parks throughout the state and made several long trips with the group across country, as well.

Don suffered a massive stroke January 2012, causing right side paralysis and leaving him unable to communicate. He stated a number of times he wished he could just go to sleep, which he was blessed to do, Friday evening, April 26, 2013.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 29, 2013, at 2:00 PM, at Cochran Funeral Home, in Livingston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Polk County SPCA, or a charity of choice.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com