Donald Joe Cauthen, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 30, 2020 at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, TX. Don was born June 29, 1945 to W. L. and Betty Cauthen in Abilene, TX. Don attended Lee High School in Midland, TX. Following high school, he attended West Texas State in Canyon, TX. After attending West Texas State, Don was drafted into the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. He served his country for 3 years, earning a bronze star. Following his service, Don moved to Houston, TX where he married Mauri Leigh Conrad in 1972. Soon after, they returned to Midland, TX, where he began his utility contracting business. While in Midland, Don and Mauri had two children, daughter Tiffany Jo Cauthen (Watters) and son Donald Blake Cauthen. Don continued to pursue his contracting business, which eventually led to a remodeling construction business, WTC Construction. For the past 70 years, Don resided in Midland, TX, the place he called “home”. He proudly and lovingly devoted most of his time to his family. Don valued spending quality time with his family by regularly attending Alamo Heights Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing golf, which became his all-time favorite activity. He would look forward to a weekly round with his lifelong friend, Ronny Smith. Don enjoyed surrounding himself with family and friends, especially his grandchildren who had him wrapped around their fingers. His world was frequently filled with humor, light sarcasm, and a great amount of laughter. He loved being around people and will always be remembered for his sense of humor. He was extremely optimistic, and continuously had a positive outlook on life. No matter how bad the situation, he would always say, “I can’t complain, my life has been deeply blessed”. Don was considered the “rock” of the family and was leaned on for his noble advice, tremendous strength, and strong support. Lake LBJ was his happy place, where he cultivated big dreams and plans to continue his retirement. Some of the greatest family memories are of Don at the lake teaching friends and family to water ski and drive boats. He will be forever remembered by Mauri Cauthen; daughter Tiffany Watters (son-in-law Lance) Watters and son, Blake Cauthen (daughter-in-law Anne) Cauthen; grandsons Landen and Lawson Watters, Luke Cauthen, and granddaughter Kate Cauthen. Don was predeceased by his parents W.L. Cauthen and Betty Hightower and sister Linda Cauthen. The family would like to thank Midland Memorial Hospital for their effort and dedication. They would also like to thank everyone for their condolences during this difficult time. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A private graveside memorial service will be held Friday, January 8th in a small town outside Abilene, TX. Memorial donations may be made to Christmas in Action Midland, TX or Wounded Warriors Project (charity for Wounded Warriors). Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland, TX. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
I first met Don at Austin Jr High in the 7th grade. Then again at Alamo Jr. High and in the same home room in the 8th grade. We were friends and he was always very popular due to his out going personality. Don was a talker an thus attracted the like of Billy Godwin and Teddy Bisby and Mike Mitchel. Not sure if the girls chased Don but he probably was a ladies man at some point if he hung out with Billy Godwin. And I am sure that WG and the others who ended up at LHS taught Don how to pop a lid on a Coors Beer out on Andrews HIghway from time to time if not every Friday , Saturday and sometimes Sunday. I lost Don when I went into the military and did not see him again until Johnny Jones opens up his bar and grill at the lake on the Colorado river. Don was a laker and Johnny Jones was is drinking buddy as he was with all of us Water Drinkers. He was a Water Drinker and was one of the few who never left Midland. So lets say good bye to Don and tip our drinks at Johnny place soon. Jimmy McClendon phone number is 505-321-6689 and he will surely answer the call. Jimmy knew Don as everybody did. So let put some music on Don RIP and how about the LHS fight song!!! Juanito