Donnie Witte

Donald Ray “Donnie” Witte, age 64, passed away February 14, 2014 at his home in Washington County. He was born August 17, 1949 to Raymond C. and Ora Nell (Tesch) Witte in Brenham and his early days were spent in the Salem community. Donnie was educated at Pleasant Hill School, Brenham High School, Blinn College and the University of Houston. He was baptized November 13, 1949 at Grace Lutheran Church and was confirmed on Palm Sunday, 1963 at Salem Lutheran Church. His faith was an important part of his life.

A favorite memory of his childhood was spending time with his grandfather, W. F. “Pops” Witte in the garden and orchard on Market Street. Pops was a mentor for Donnie who credited him with developing his talent at and love for playing baseball, especially pitching. The Senior Little League All Star Team of 1964 advanced to the World Series Championship game that year, a treasured memory for Donnie.

Donnie started working young and by the time he was a teenager he was wrestling tires, tubes, rims and trailers for his Uncle Leslie C. “Bubba” Tesch’s trucking company. When he was old enough, he became a driver for Bubba, picking up milk from area dairy farms. He was also a tire store manager, but truck driving was in his blood. A plaque awarded to him for driving one million miles without incident was displayed proudly in his home. Donnie made trips through the night, over many years, to the Budweiser Brewery so that folks in his home town could enjoy the finest product of the Brewer’s Art. He was a “Bud Man” to the end. His ashes will be inurned in a giant-size longneck Budweiser bottle.

Donnie “never met a stranger” and would talk as much (or more) as anyone could want. He was a good friend to have and he appreciated his friends. Everyone who knew him has a story or two to remember. Donnie had his share of adversity (he could have been nicknamed Timex), but he never let the ups and downs of life prevent him from remaining optimistic for the future. He had a strong desire to help people in whatever way he could, describing it as, “I will help any little bird with a broken wing”.

Donnie is survived by his step-father Wilfred Winkelmann and aunt Dorothy Mae Tesch of Washington County, aunt and uncle Flora Ann (Tesch) and Will Henske of Spring, one niece, one nephew and five cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and his brother Ronnie Witte.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Prairie Lea Cemetery. A brief reception will follow at Pecan Corner, 504 S. Park St.

Memorials in Donnie’s memory may be made to Washington County Little League,
P.O. Box 1890, Brenham, TX 77834-1890.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979.836.3611 Leave tributes at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.