Don Kizziar

Don Kizziar, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on the morning of Aug. 22, 2025 and is now in the presence of his Savior. Don was born on May 28, 1937 in Dallas, Texas to Al and Lula Mae Kizziar. He is joyfully reunited in Heaven with family members including his parents, infant brother George Lane Kizziar, and sisters, Wanda Lee and June Rohne. Don grew up in Dallas, attended DISD primary and middle schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. Don also served in the US Army Reserves. He attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas but returned to Dallas just one semester away from receiving his bachelor’s degree when his father became ill and Don was needed to help his family. Don eventually went to work with Great American Reserve Life Insurance Company (later known as JC Penney Life Insurance). Don’s talent for analyzing customer needs and his ability to effectively interact with both customers and colleagues helped him become an indispensable asset to the company. While at Great American, Don met the woman who would capture his heart; a beautiful young lady named Edna and on June 11, 1966, Edna and Don were married at First Baptist Church in Terrell. For the next 59 years, they would build a life together and have two children, Lisa and Scott. In 1972, Don and Edna purchased Edna’s childhood home in Terrell and the family relocated. After working 25 years, Don retired from JC Penney and devoted his time to his family and his church community. All his life, Don loved spending time with family and friends as well as golfing and bowling. He was an active and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Terrell where he was ordained as a Deacon and served in numerous ministries and on several committees, including serving as Chairman of the Deacons several times. Don’s work experience and integrity also enabled him to be a Church Teller for many years assisting with the collection and safeguarding of weekly tithes and donations from church members. Don’s love of the Lord was always evident by his devotion to his family and his service to others. His welcoming smile at worship and at church events helped everyone feel right at home. Don had a friendly and easygoing personality and visits with him were never long enough for everyone who knew him. Every conversation was filled equally with wisdom and a great sense of fun. He will forever be remembered as a man who treasured his family, loved his friends and honored his Lord and Don will be greatly missed and never forgotten. He leaves his legacy to be continued by his wife, Edna Kizziar; his daughter, Lisa Gonzalez and husband, Manuel; his son, Scott Kizziar and wife, Melanie; grandchildren: Leslie Finger and husband, Billy, Shelby Rudolph and husband, Parker and Tommy Mitchell; great granddaughter, Lily Rudolph and two expected great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, FBC church family and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with Don’s family receiving friends from 10:00am until service time. A private committal service will follow at Oakland Memorial Park. For those wishing, memorials may be sent to FBC Terrell Children's Ministry at https://fbcterrell.org/give.

Tributes

Don Kizziar

May 28, 1937 - August 22, 2025