Donald Saverance

Donald Eugene Saverance was born November 29, 1933 on a family ranch a few miles southeast of Lawn, near the Jim Ned Creek. Donald was the son of Felton and Cleo (Slough) Saverance. He attended school in Goldsboro, Novice and graduated from Lawn High School. He went on to Texas Tech University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Economics. After graduation, he entered the United States Army and for two years he served in the Veterinary Corp. Upon his return to Abilene, he met the love of his life, Sybie Louise McDaniel. They were married on July 2, 1960.

Donald's love of the land led him to his careers in ag-related vocations. He started out in Andrews County, Lynn County and finally got to come back home to Abilene where Donald serve thirty-seven years as the Executive Director of USDA Farm Service office in Taylor County. He continued his service in Taylor County with the Central Appraisal District. For sixteen years, he was the District's Land Specialist. He very much enjoyed his many friends and associates that he grew to know down through his years of service.

As a Texas Tech alumni and supporter, he was a loyal Red Raider football fan. Besides his Red Raiders, his favorite activity was going to the country and piddling with his farming and ranching activities. Between farming seasons (wheat crops and calving season), he and Sybie enjoyed traveling. They also enjoyed the church, they are members of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Felton and Cleo (Slough) Saverance, his in-laws, Coda and Lillian McDaniel, sister-in-law Annette Saverance and brother-in-law Jerry May.

He is survived by his bride of 64 years, Sybie (McDaniel) Saverance, brother Sidney Saverance (Kay Wilson), sisters Mary Eubanks (Gary), Suzy McPhail (Mike), sister-in-law Kay May, children Donnell Guynn (Geoff), Paul Saverance, grandchildren Kindell Poprawa (Wojtek), Kathryn 'Jane' Bruington, Thomas Saverance, a great-grandson William and many special nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of those who have helped care for Donald, particularly Carol Johnson, as well as the nurses and staff at Hendrick Hospice Care. Our thanks also goes out to the many friends and family that have visited with and prayed for Donald and family.

A private graveside service will be held prior to Donald's celebration of life. We will celebrate the life of Donald, Dad, and Peepaw in the chapel of Hamil Family Funeral Home located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 with Jeff Reid officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering a donation to the Hendrick Hospice Center, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church or a charity of their choice