Donald John Pyle, age 93, passed away on September 1, 2024, in Brownwood. He was born in Midland on February 15, 1931, to John Roy Pyle and Hazel Minnie Cutbirth. Don lived in Midland for a total of 87 years. He graduated from Midland High School and joined the United States Air Force at age 19. He was stationed in Nashville, Tennessee during the Korean War. He served as a Staff Sergeant and helped transport paratroopers to Alaska. At the local skating rink, he met Norma Grace Gibbs, who later became his sweetheart. He and Norma were married in Nashville on January 23, 1954. Upon his completion of service (1950-1954) in the USAF, Don and Norma moved to Midland, where they lived together for 60 years until her death in 2014. Don moved to Brownwood in 2018 where he lived until his death.
Don was a Christian man and an avid golfer. He loved watching golf on TV and movies of all kinds. He also enjoyed traveling, people, and cars. He always had a great sense of humor and loved to tell entertaining stories about his past. He worked as a body man and previously owned B&W Body Shop in Midland. One of his most prized material possessions was a 1954 Chevy pickup he restored himself.
Don and Norma are survived by their children Gerald Pyle of Ohio, Gil and Veronica Pyle of Brownwood, Donna and Charles Hall of Bangs, Tommy Pyle of Midland, and Patti and Jerry Isom of Greenville. He was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas Pyle of Comanche.
Don was preceded in death by wife, Norma Grace Pyle; sister, June Warner; and parents, John Roy Pyle and Hazel Minnie Cutbirth.
Services for Donald John Pyle will be Saturday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ellis Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, with military honors, under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Early. The funeral will be officiated by grandson, Cason Pyle, with song leading by grandson, Caleb Hall.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Pyle family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com
