Donald "Don" Eugene Brightwell
February 20, 1947 ~ March 5, 2018
Donald Eugene "Don" Brightwell, age 71, of Palestine, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, the 5th day of March, 2018. He was born on the 20th day of February, 1947 in Longview, Texas to Wilton Brightwell and Mary May Brightwell. Don was a U.S. Navy Veteran and worked as a manager for the Dallas Morning News and Tyler Morning Telegraph for many years before his retirement. He enjoyed reading and had a love for nature, especially birds. Don took pleasure in building bird houses and feeders. He was a Christian and member of the Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
Don is preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Brightwell and father, Wilton Brightwell.
Don Brightwell is survived by his wife of 18 years, Joyce Brightwell of Palestine, Texas; mother, Mary Brightwell of Henderson, Texas; daughter, Donna Schultz of Palestine, Texas; step daughter, Stephanie Vanzandt of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son, Robin Brightwell; step son, Chris Fansler of Rockwall, Texas; brothers, Charles Brightwell of Henderson, Texas, Alton Brightwell of Mineola, Texas; grandchildren, Peyton Bentley, Lindsey Bentley, Cameron Brightwell, Macie Brightwell, Benjamin Matthews, Dublin Fansler, Grace Vanzandt, Garet Vanzandt and 4 great grandchildren.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock until seven o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 7th day of March, 2018 at Rhone Funeral Home.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at eleven o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 13th day of March, 2018 at Roselawn Park with Bro. Randall Reeves officiating. Prior to the graveside, Don will be cremated.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Donald Brightwell's memory can be directed toward St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Services for Donald Brightwell are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
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A loving husband, a devoted Dad and Grandfather, a good friend to many. So very sorry for your loss. Don will be truly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
An Illumination All White Centerpiece was ordered on March 6, 2018
Don was a great guy who will always be remembered fondly. All the Brightwell family will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Dwanna Gunter
Don was a very sweet man and a great friend. I enjoyed our years of working together, he will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Just a note to let the family of Don know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss. May God wrap you in His tender arms and give you peace and comfort. We have know the Brightwell family for many, many years and our hearts are heavy at this loss, but we rejoice in knowing we will see Don again. Our love to the family
Steve, Lana & Emily Snider
Dear Family and friends,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Revelation 21:4 promises: “And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.†A world without death and billions brought back to life to enjoy it. May pondering on these future blessings provide comfort as you endure Don’s death. Please visit jw.org for further information regarding the beautiful future that lies just ahead.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Mary Cordray Eason
Joyce, I am sorry for your loss, thinking and praying for you.