Donald Ray Stearns, 82, longtime resident of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2006 in Austin, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 29, 1923 in Stephenville, Texas to John E. (Jack) Stearns and Lee Ella Blanton Stearns. A few years later, his family moved to Austin where Don was raised through High School. He entered the U.S. Army/Air Force and was selected for Officer Training School where he learned to fly. During his time in the Armed Forces, he achieved the rank of 2nd Lt., piloted a B-24 Bomber, and commanded an air crew of ten. While training at Penn State, he met the love of his life and future wife, Caroline. Don and Caroline returned to Austin after the war where he earned his degree in Architectural Engineering at the University of Texas-Austin. After graduating, he worked for the Texas Highway Department until he retired in 1983 as Director. Together, Don and Caroline built a home on a bluff above Barton Creek where they raised three sons, Danny, Davy, and Joel. They shared many happy years together enjoying their children, grandchildren, extensive travel, and spending time on the family ranch. A few years after the loss of his dear wife, Caroline, Don resided at the Heritage at Gaines Ranch, where he developed a close knit circle of friends. Don will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and family, his charm, and his sharp sense of humor. He gave without obligation, loved without judgment, and shared his endless wealth of knowledge humbly with those around him. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Shella and all the staff at the Heritage at Gaines Ranch for their kindness and care for Don and a special thank you to Sudie, his dear friend, for being by his side. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 wonderful years, Caroline Stearns; oldest son, Danny Stearns; and parents, Jack and Lee Ella Stearns. He will be sadly missed by his loving sons, David Stearns and Joel Stearns and wife, Kim; granddaughters, Kristin (Tyler) Stearns and Haley Caroline Stearns; sister, Jackielee Johnson of Blue, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wed- nesday, August 30, 2006 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will follow services at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park. Honoring Don as pallbearers will be Jim Rudolph, Greg Curb, John Rath, Dwayne Maxey, Dearl Croft, Jimmy Kollman, Joel Stearns, and David Stearns. Please join us in celebrating Don's life by visiting our Memorial at http://www.mem.com where we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family. If you would like to do something in Don's memory, he would simply want you to treat all those around you with kindness, love, respect, and dignity.
[Based on an obituary published in the Austin American-Statesman on 8/29/2006.]