Don Henry Jonte was the youngest of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Henry Jonte on November 25, 1940 in Dallas, Texas. The Lord called him home after suffering a series of strokes in the early hours of July 31, 2014. Don married Joyce Anne Willmon in 1958 and had four children; Karen Gayle, Jimmy Don, Gregory Kirk and Tracy Lee Jonte. Don was privileged to have served the City of Dallas as a Firefighter for over 30 years. He retired from active service at the Dallas Fire Department in September of 1989. Don was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Henry Jonte; his mother, Maggie Elizabeth King Jonte; his older brother, Bill Jack Jonte; and his dear sisters, Wanda Bateman and Syble Bottles. Don is survived by his sisters, Pansy Lou Hohman and JoAnn Wehner; children Karen and Nathan Mikula, Jimmy Jonte, Greg and Sherry Jonte, Tracy and Kerilynn Jonte; grandchildren; James Ryan Boyer, Amy Kathleen and Christopher Ailey, Staci Lynn and K.J. Lowe; Taylor Lane Decker; great grandchildren, Audrey Lynn Lowe, Regan Nicole Lowe, Aiden Decker, Gracie Ann Lowe, and many friends and extended family. He loved loud family gatherings, traveling, games, any sporting event, horse racing and all of the casinos. He was an unpretentious proud man who was genuine and supportive to all he knew. Don's generous and giving nature will be missed by all. Donny's independent nature and selfless wishes were not to mourn his passing for he was not afraid of death. He wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life. The family has planned a glorious farewell with an old fashioned "Wake-type" celebration of his life on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the home of Staci & K.J. Lowe, 436 Country Manor, Royce City, Texas. I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when my life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Only happy memories do I wish to leave when my life is done. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations in his name sent to: Dallas Retired Fighters Association (DRFA) c/o Ennis Hill 721 James Drive Richardson, TX 75080