Developer founded local children’s charity chapter
Don Mullins, a commercial real estate developer who helped establish the Ronald McDonald House Houston in 1978 after his young son lost a battle with lymphoma, has died. He was 81.
Mullins, who died Aug. 25 at his home in Moore, southwest of San Antonio, ran Houston-based Don R. Mullins Interests for five decades, developing commercial properties, including stores for Walgreens, CVS, Kroger and other national chains. Mullins developed numerous Woolco stores, the defunct discount retail chain that spun out of F.W. Woolworth Co., across the South.
The Shreveport, La., native attended the University of Houston, where he was a defensive back on the football team. He spent two seasons with the Chicago Bears.
In an interview with the Chronicle in 2015, Mullins said his proudest accomplishment was helping found the Ronald McDonald House Houston.
“Of all the things I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in, this is the most worthwhile endeavor I became associated with,” he said.
Mullins was serving on the board of trustees for Texas Children’s Hospital when his son contracted lymphoma. After a year of spending many nights near the hospital, he began raising money to fund a facility where families could stay while their children were being treated for serious illnesses.
The first Ronald McDonald House Houston was built in one of Mullins’ office properties near the Texas Medical Center. It grew into what is now a 70-bedroom facility. There are now facilities inside Texas Children’s hospitals and Memorial Hermann Hospital as well.
“Don was an incredible, giving person and easily convinced others to want to be involved,” John Bonno, retired Ronald McDonald House Houston board member, said in a statement. “He was instrumental in building a strong financial foundation for the House. It’s easier to sell a project if you knowit first-hand.”