Donald Ray Tamplen
1952-2015
HOUSTON – Donald Ray Tamplen of Houston, Texas passed into eternal life on June 23, 2015 with his wife and brother in law at his side. His loving family and friends will miss him as we mourn his departure.
Don was born to Charles Lindburgh Tamplin and Bonnie Mae Gracy Tamplin in Sherman, Texas on January 27, 1952. Don graduated from Whitesboro High School, attended Grayson Community College and North Texas State University. Don graduated from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Don married Dr. Debra Stewart on June 21, 1980. Don is the son in law of the late Louis Alvin Stewart and Della Polly Stewart of Moulton. Don was a devoted and loving husband, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and an infant older brother. Don is survived and cherished by his devoted wife, Dr. Debra Stewart of Houston; his sister Dr. Tonya Tamplin Zbell of Madison, Alabama; two nephews, Phillip and Matthew Zbell of Madison, Alabama and his brother in law, Louis A. Stewart, Jr. of Moulton.
Don practiced general dentistry and was self-employed. He was also an electrician. Don was a member of the Texas Dental Association and Greater Houston Dental Society where he was a member of the Constitution and By-laws Committee and he also led judicial peer review hearings for both organizations. He was also a member of the American Dental Association. Don was a past president of the Greater Houston Dental Society. He served as a Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the House of Delegates at both the Texas Dental Association and American Dental Association. He served on numerous other committees at these dental organizations.
Don liked coming down to the family ranch near Moulton where he enjoyed working with the cattle, peacocks, chickens, setting guinea eggs and relaxing. Don also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, dancing, listening to polka music and cooking. Don cooked many wonderful feasts at Thanksgiving and Christmas along with barbecuing for family and friends throughout the year.
Don loved going to see his nephews play ice hockey. Don especially loved his wife and enjoyed spoiling her and going on vacations together.
Serving as pallbearers are: Ray Culak, Dale Fojtik, Kevin Laqua, Lonnie Dean Laqua, Darren Sullivent, Phillip Zbell, Matthew Zbell and Rob Zboril.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Smiles Foundation at tdasmiles.org.
Intelligent, dedicated, fun, loving and caring, Don will be remembered for the wonderful meals he prepared, the food he canned, his sense of humor and how he always took care of others and put their needs first.
With the closing of the final chapter in Don’s book of life, we have suffered a great loss in his death. He was and always will be held in love and high esteem in our lives. We love Don and know he is watching over us as one of our special angels. We will wait until we too are called home to see his reassuring face and be with him once again in heaven.
Family eulogy before rosary Monday night and at 9:45 on Tuesday morning before the service.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Monday June 29, 2015 followed by Rosary at 7:00pm at Smith Funeral Home Moulton. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton with Father Gabriel Maison officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Flatonia.
Words of comfort can be expressed to the family at www.smithfuneralhomemoulton.com
Smith Funeral Home-404 West Bobkat Dr.-Moulton Texas 77975-Phone #-361596-4631