Horace Donald Grasty

Horace Donald Grasty (aka Donnie, Donald, Dad, Pops) passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 16, 2020. He was 82 years old. Donnie was born August 11, 1938 near Palestine in East Texas. Donnie was the first born and only son of Horace Benjamin Grasty and Euna Mae Wright. Donnie's mother adored her son and doted over him excessively while his two sisters, Nelda Hopper and Priscilla Buckhanon, tolerated him. Donnie enjoyed his time as a juvenile hanging with his buddies and driving his car(s) fast and loud. While Donnie never told us much about his academic achievements, he was always quick to mention his high school basketball prowess as the team captain. Impressive, until you consider that his entire graduating class was 5 students. However, Donnie did demonstrate some impressive soft skills by finding, dating, and eventually marrying the girl of his dreams. Donald met Dorothy Louise Davis during their junior year in high school. They were both 18 years of age when Dorothy Davis became Dorothy Grasty on August 3, 1957, just 2 months after graduating high school. In need of meaningful employment and with supportive families providing lots of love but few resources, they decided to double down on their good fortune and start a family. They wasted no time as Dorothy gave birth to a son (Mickey) born just 11 months after the wedding (do the math), followed quickly by a daughter (Renee) born 13 months after that. Donald and Dorothy both found meaningful employment and went on to college while advancing their careers. Donald was married to Dorothy for 63 years as their family grew from two children to 7 grandchildren and currently 5 great grandchildren with one more on the way. Dad began his career at Texas Power & Light in Rusk, Texas. He advanced to stops in Waco and then Dallas before retiring from Texas Utilities Generating Company in 2003 after 35 years of service. Dad and Mom were great parents, mentors, and friends to their children as they set an example to follow with their strong Christian faith, character, values, work ethic, and love for family. Dad always had a soft spot for anyone down on their luck and needing help. Dad would often stop for anyone stranded on the road and ask if he could help. He could also be easily convinced to provide someone with an odd job who needed help. He was, on occasion, a little too easily persuaded to pay money for services promised but never rendered. Pops really hit his sweet spot with the arrival of his grandkids. Josh Benson was the first grandkid and set the standard with his participation in and love of baseball. Pops was an enthusiastic fan and supporter, never missing a game or a chance to offer suggestions on how Josh could improve his game (a little more hustle here, a better curveball there, and always a little more pop with that bat). Reghan Grasty was the second grandchild and the first of 4 granddaughters (Courtney Benson, Catey Benson, and Kendall Grasty) that Pops loved and adored. He enjoyed the way Nanny organized their frequent sleepovers and dress-ups, and he would participate by wearing whatever hat, garment, or make-up they would dress him in. Unfortunately, they showed little interest in playing baseball, camping, or hunting. Consequently, grandsons 2 & 3 (Jarred Benson & Preston Grasty), born two days apart, received a disproportionate amount of attention. Pops would often take the boys to East Texas for long weekends. While semi-supervised, they did things (hunting, shooting, fireworks, driving off-road things) that their mothers did not approve of. We eventually came to terms and settled on a “don't ask, don't tell” arrangement. Donnie, Donald, Dad, and especially Pops left us with great memories and we are fortunate to have shared them with him. We love you, Dad. The family will have a private Celebration of Life. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Wade Family Funeral Home & Crematory 817-274-9233