Donny "DeDa" Howell Belew

Donny Howell “DeDa” Belew, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on May 24, 2021. Donny was born on Jan. 19, 1944 in Dallas to Allen Howell and Dorothy (Smirl) Belew, both of whom preceded him in death. On Sept. 15, 1963, he married Helen Tallant, in Poetry, and, together they made a wonderful home filled with love and memories for their family. He served in the Texas Army National Guard based out of Terrell. Donny worked for the Terrell Fire Department as Driver/Engineer as well as serving with the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department. His involvement in both organizations and his dedicated service to the community he loved so much enabled Donny to forge many personal and professional friendships that he kept for many years. After 30 years with both fire departments, Donny retired to spend more time with his family. He still enjoyed the many close friendships of the other firefighters (active and retired) and would often be found playing many highly competitive games of dominos at the fire station where bragging rights on being the winner was always the top prize! In his spare time, he loved to hunt, fish and bow hunt, spending many days in the outdoors with family and friends. The lights of his life were his grandchildren. Being their DeDa and spending any time with them was the best part of any day for Donny. He was also incredibly talented with his hands and his skills at repairing/rebuilding trailers, boats, four wheelers and chainsaws were well known. He was a licensed electrician which also enabled Donny to help anyone who needed an installation of new, or maintenance of current, electrical systems. Along with his talented abilities with things, Donny had an even greater talent of being a listening ear. Along with the many projects that he was able to fix, there were many more conversations and wise advice exchanged that were also considered a good repair. His ready smile, gracious manner, and his ability to talk to anyone made him and instant friend of those who met him and a loyal supporter for everyone he loved and cared for. A great man with an even greater generosity for others in need, be it a car, boat or anything mechanical or electrical will be missed by all who knew him. Donny’s heritage of caring for all whose lives he touched will be proudly carried on for many future generations Donny leaves his legacy of love to his wife, Helen Tallant Belew of Terrell; daughter, Charlotte Daniel and husband, Rusty and Katherine Sizemore and husband, Chris; grandchildren: Bradley Daniel and Lauren Stanley, Caleb Schutter, Nathan Daniel, Dillon Wilks and wife, Paige, and Jarrod Schutter; great grandchildren: Hadley, Tansley, Harley, and Alex; sister, Donna Orr as well numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends, all of whom will miss him greatly. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 27, 2021 beginning at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with graveside service to follow at at 1:30pm at Oakland Memorial Park.

Tributes

Donny "DeDa" Howell Belew

January 19, 1944 - May 24, 2021