Obituary of Donald Christopher Earthman

Donald Christopher Earthman, born August 27, 1946 in Houston, Texas to J. B. and Blanche Earthman, died on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Austin, Texas.  He was 77 years of age.

Don was a gentle man, generous with his time and heart, who led an exemplary life. Don was born the “lucky seventh son” of nine siblings. He attended St. Anne Catholic School and St. Thomas Catholic High School in Houston, and received a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from St. Louis University.

In 1974, Don married his “Cajun Queen” Jerrie Jean Dupuy of New Orleans, Louisiana and together they raised three children in Houston; Christopher Matthew, Eric Timothy and Kathryn Michelle.

Don spent his working years in the family life insurance business: Mission Life Insurance Company, started by his parents J.B. and Blanche. Don and his brother Michael oversaw Mission’s growth for over 3 decades. After retirement, he devoted his time and energy to real estate investing, traveling with his family (especially his lively grandchildren), and caring for the elderly. He was an avid outdoorsman and looked forward to his annual hike up to the Vail summit each birthday. He fly fished and snow skied into his late seventies. Don was a 6th generation Texan (a son of the Republic of Texas) and loved exploring its rich history.

Don was preceded in death by his brother Bill Earthman, brother and longtime business partner Michael Earthman, and his parents Blanche and J.B. Earthman, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jerrie; son Chris and his wife Kathleen, son Eric, and daughter Kathryn and her husband Nick; and ten grandchildren: Paul, Matthew, Emma, Avery, Thomas, Gannon, Andrew, Annie, Elizabeth and Abigail. His surviving siblings include: Jim Earthman and his wife Cindy, Tom Earthman and his wife Brigid, Jack Earthman, Bob Earthman, Blanche Mary Morello and her husband Charlie, and Bruce Earthman and his wife Pam. He is also survived by a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved second cousin Bernadette Spawn.

A visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary and Vigil for the Deceased will begin at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, 11740 Joan of Arc in Houston, Texas.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 also at St. Cecilia's.  Donald Earthman will be laid to rest at Taylor City Cemetery in Taylor, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Retina Research Foundation, CanCARE, University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, Catholic Charities of Central Texas, or St. Theresa Catholic School.