Keller Don Thormahlen passed away on November 13, 2017 in Tyler, Texas. He was born on October 13, 1935 at home in rural Van Zandt County to Keller H. Thormahlen and Lois Marie Palmer Thormahlen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Keller Andrew Thormahlen.
Don was a graduate of Elgin High School and Hardin-Simmons University where he developed lifelong friendships. While in university at Abilene he met his bride Patricia and started their first home. A loving husband and father, Don was influential in many lives. Mr. Thormahlen was a Mortgage Banker for many years. His service in the Army National Guard was a reflection of his patriotism and love for country.
For many years he served as the sports announcer for the Kaufman Lion’s football team. At each game after the playing of the National Anthem, he was known for saying this phrase over the loud speaker, “And long may She wave.” Don was a lifelong Southern Baptist and member of the First Baptist Church of Kaufman and Calvary Baptist Church. He served as a devoted Sunday School teacher to kindergarten aged children for many years. He loved children and teaching them about Jesus. He was also a member of the Elgin Masonic Lodge No. 328 A. F. & A. M. Don was an avid outdoorsman and relished time spent with family and friends in the woods. These adventures were the source and setting of many of his prolific tales. Don loved to laugh, tell stories, and never met a stranger.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Patricia Howard Thormahlen; his son, Karl Martin Thormahlen and wife Carol; his daughter, Greta Shelton, and husband Alan; grandchildren, Karl Martin, Jr., Justin Shelton and wife Haley; great-granddaughter, Rose Shelton; his brothers, Jerry Thormahlen and wife Freda, Roger Thormahlen and wife Karen; nieces, Diedre, Amy, and Lana; nephews, Mark, Ross, and Kurt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his memory to the Alzheimers’s Coalition of Henderson Co. 600 South Palestine Ste.101 Athens Texas, 75751. www.alzhendersoncotx.org
Visitation will be Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 12:00 Noon, with funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM at Autrys Carroll-Lehr funeral home in Athens. Burial will be held at 3:15 PM at Old Bethel Cemetery near Canton. Autrys Carroll-Lehr is in charge of arrangements.