Donald Jefferson Oliver

Don Oliver, long-time resident of Rockport, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, surrounded by his family and close friends. Don was born in Port Arthur, Texas to Maurice and Elizabeth Oliver, along with three brothers and three sisters. He proudly served in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict, and upon his return from Korea he met the love of his life, Maureen Wyble, whom he married in 1956. They had three children together, Donald (Kyle), Chris, and Jill. Don graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Biology and spent several years working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, after which he began a long career in the marine service industry beginning with Caspary/Wendell and continuing with Jackson Marine, a subsidiary of Brown and Root/Halliburton. His career culminated as Vice President of the company, in charge of western hemisphere operations, including four years heading up corporate operations in the United Arab Emirates. Don remained active after retirement from Jackson Marine, forming Oliver Outdoors with his son Kyle, specializing in the guiding and hunting brokerage business throughout Texas, the US and other parts of the world. Don's greatest legacy was his love of family, coupled with his love of the great outdoors. He was renowned for his love of hunting and fishing, and was widely recognized as one of the great experts on hunting in the State of Texas. He shared that passion with his sons, his grandchildren, and other family members and friends, with numerous hunting and fishing adventures from Texas to Alaska and beyond, and these were among his most treasured moments. Don was well known for his honesty, integrity, and unique sense of humor. A very engaging and likeable man, he had an endless repertoire of entertaining stories. He passed down to his children and grandchildren not only this great love for the outdoors, but the ideals of integrity and moral character for which he was known by all. Don was surpassed in death by his beloved son Donnie Kyle, and we know they are together again on some great outdoor adventure, likely squirrel hunting in some pecan bottom or casting to tailing redfish in Aransas Bay. He is survived by his soul mate of 60 years, Maureen, son Chris (daughter-inlaw Maggie, grandsons Christopher and Nicholas), daughter Jill (son-in-law Keith Lowe, grandson Hayden, granddaughter Madolyn, great-granddaughter Ava), daughter-in-law P.J. (granddaughter Kayla and her husband Michael Morton), and Bryan Bracht (and family), who was like another son to Don. We all will miss him beyond words. A memorial celebration is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Rockport Yacht Club (located in Rockport Harbor). In lieu of flowers, and recognizing Don's great love of his country, the freedoms we enjoy, and his passion for guns and hunting, donations to the National Rifle Association (or the charity of your choice) in his memory are appreciated.