Donnan James Drabek

Donnan (Don) James Drabek, age 89, of Lumberton, TX passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. He was born on November 13, 1936, in Columbus, OH, to Frank Joseph Drabek and Ruby Juanita Troup.

Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Don grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep respect for responsibility. He was taught early on that life was not for sitting still, and he embraced that lesson wholeheartedly. He earned the rank of an Eagle Boy Scout.  A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he served his country honorably. He worked on maintaining propeller air planes while stationed in Tripoli, Libya.  After his service in the Air Force, he attended Purdue University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture - Dairy Science. Don married his first wife, Nancy Ann Nason, in June of 1962. He worked for the Swift Company which relocated him to the Houston, TX area in 1966.  They had two daughters, Sonya and Amy, prior to divorcing in 1980.

He loved his pets, plants and especially trees.  He was very proud of his Yellow Rose of Texas roses.  He was a big sports fan and a Houston Oilers season ticket holder.

In time, love found him again. At a singles event at his church, he met Charlotte, who would become his companion. They married on February 14, 1993, a fitting date for a love renewed, and they remained devoted to one another for the rest of his life. He worked as an insurance adjuster for over 40 years with State Farm and Horace Mann.  After retirement he drove a school bus for the Magnolia ISD. Some of his most repeated statements are to do the right thing even when no one is watching, and you will have to account for your actions one day so be careful in what you choose to do and say.  Those who knew him will remember his calm presence, sense of humor and joking personality.  He will be missed.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Charlotte Drabek; daughters, Sonya Drabek and Amy Johnson; stepson Bryan Hicks and his wife Tammi; long-time friend, Mary Jo Fontenot; and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Preceding Donnan in death are his parents; wife, Nancy Ann Nason Drabek; and sister, Sue Jackson.

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