Donald Gene McCreary

With his family by his side, Donald “Goober” Gene McCreary, of Palestine, Texas, entered the Lord’s presence on Sunday, the 12^th day of March 2023.  Mr. McCreary was 77 years of age when the Lord called him home.  He was born in Anderson County, Texas on the 6^th day of July 1945 to parents Hubert McCreary and Selma Hickman McCreary.

Mr. McCreary lived a fulfilling life full of love. After high school Mr. McCreary was drafted by the United States Army where he served his country proudly. Later he went to work for Bob Mitchell Oilfield Services, where he had a long career as a heavy equipment operator until he retired.

Loving husband, devoted dad, grandfather, and loyal friend are words to best describe Mr. McCreary. He had a deep love for his family, and he always enjoyed spending quality time together with them making memories. Mr. McCreary was a generous man and a genuine outdoorsman. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.

Mr. McCreary was a dedicated Christian and faithful member of Bois D’ Arc Baptist Church where he was loved dearly. He was very talented when it came to working and fixing lawn mowers and small engines.  Mr. McCreary was most notably known for his cooking, especially his grilling. If you sat at his table, he would cook you anything you requested. He was a man of great character and will always be missed.     

He is preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Selma McCreary; sisters, Louise Steadman and Pauline McCreary; brother, Hubert “Buddy” McCreary; and son in law, Roy Smalley.

Mr. McCreary left cherished memories with his wife of 42 years Janet McCreary; daughters, Melanie Miller and husband Chris, Cyndi Smalley, Shelia Galloway and husband Darrin, and Julia McCreary; son, Clint McCreary and wife Felica; sisters, Eunice Gaines, Juanita Crawford, and Lucille Larson. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, many other family members, and numerous friends.

A funeral service to celebrate Donald McCreary’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, on Wednesday, the 15^th day of March 2023 at Bois D’ Arc Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Drinkard officiating the service.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in Rock Church Cemetery.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 14^th day of March 2023 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Ricky Linder, Johnny Gaines, Steven McCreary, Tom McCreary, Jeffery McCreary, Bill Perry, Philip Austin, and Bill Brown. 

Funeral services for Donald "Goober" Gene McCreary are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  

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