Donald Gentry

Donald Bernard Gentry, age 84 passed-away on August 1, 2020 in Arlington, TX.  He was born on August 14, 1935 to Bernard Leville and Margaret Lucille Wadlington Gentry.

Don grew up in Monahan’s TX & moved to Hobbs NM in 1952.  He graduated from Hobbs High School in 1953 where he played football and was a part of the drum line.  His senior year of high school, they were state champions and Don was starting offensive and defensive lineman.  After high school he went on to attend the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque on a full ride football scholarship where he studied Pharmacology.  His senior year of college, he received a letter of invitation to try out for the LA Rams.

At 9 years old he began working for his father at Monahan’s Pharmacy as a soda jerk.  After college, he joined the family business, LaMesa Pharmacy in Albuquerque.  He later worked for Beneficial Finance and Ayrest Pharmaceuticals before launching his own Manufacturers Representative company Don Bernard & Associates in 1974.  He served on the Dallas Market Center Gift advisory board.

As a young man he was involved in Boy Scouts of America and achieved Eagle Scout status.  He was a devout man of faith serving in many capacities as choir director, Sunday School teacher, bass player, men’s ministry leader, loudest laugher, and biggest prankster in every church he attended.  Don & Joyce loved to entertain, he was a gourmet cook and the life of every party.  He loved fishing, hunting and the mountains.

Don married Mary Joyce Warren on October 15, 1955 in Gladewater, TX.  They were happily married for 64 years.  Don was preceded in death by his parents Bernard & Margaret Gentry, his sister Diane Gentry Warren and 3 new-born babies.

Don is survived by his wife Joyce of Arlington, TX, daughter Kim and Jeff Pounds of Mansfield, daughter Bev and Chris Cain of Arlington and daughter Michelle and Mark McGuire of Arlington.  Brother David and Carolyn Gentry of Arlington.  Grandchildren, Leighton & Bethany Pounds, Kensli & Levi Taylor, Kaitlin & Nick Skeffington, Kylee McGuire, Karson McGuire and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.