Rupert Compton

Don’s life began May 16, 1927 in Lueders, TX and passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020.   His 93 years of life was full of excitement and activities to the fullest.  The discipline, he learned at an early age, was one of the most prideful things to him— The Military.   His career began in the US Merchant Marines in 1943, yes that was young.   Six months later, he began sailing with the US Coast Guard on the USS Front Royal tanker carrier ship, sailing around the world with thousands of other fellow seaman.   To this day he still remembers his Chief’s name and so many of his seaman buddies and their experiences at each port.

Upon returning from the end of WWII, he met Mable Strand Compton from Stamford, Tx.  They married Feb. 12, 1946, then moved to Big Lake, TX.  He dedicated is life to the Oil & Gas industry:  Garrett Smith Oil Co., J.D. Thompkins Production, and Korman Exploration, Inc.  In 1956, Don and Mable moved to Hamlin, TX.

During his free time, he loved to fly his Mooney aircraft to weekend get a-ways, breakfast fly-ins, golf tournaments and many other places.

Not only will Don be flying on his golden wings in Heaven, he loved riding his Gold Wing motorcycle here on earth.  He rode all over the US.  One trip, he and several friends rode from Hamlin, Tx to Canada and back.  He could easily be caught at weekend motorcycle rallies or just cruse’n around town.

Don loved to play golf.  For many years, he played daily at the Hamlin Country Club.   Once it became a struggle for him to play, he actually rode around with his buddies and would critique their shots or laugh with them at their stray shots.

Don also loved to fish.   Not only did he love to catch them but he loved eating it as well.  One time he caught a 40 lb. plus catfish from The Brazos River.  He brought it home and placed it in the bathtub for his friends to come and view so everyone would believe he really caught a “whopper” instead of telling a whooper fish tale.

In later life, you could see him driving around town in his Rolls-Royce golf cart.  It took him down to the Pied Piper Deli, where he had daily coffee with so many of his dear friends.  In the afternoon, Don would get a blizzard and head down to Doug Spalding Garage for their afternoon get-to-gather.   Come fall, every Friday night you could find him on the front row at the home Pied Piper Football games.   He was so heartfelt & honored, when he was asked to be Grand Marshall of the 2019 Hamlin Homecoming Parade.

He was so humble and grateful for all the love that the Hamlin Church of Christ members (where his was a life time member) & community gave him over the years.   Don’s family will never forget the God sent Angels that gave him phenomenal care, loving affection and warm dedication that Lucy and Joe Garza had for him.  Many Sundays, he received delicious meals from his neighbor Bobby & Doug Spalding and friends.

Don was proceeded in death by his parents A. R. Compton and Charlotte (Lottie) Ivy Compton, his brother, Howard Compton and 2 sisters, Hazel White and Bobby Counts.

Don is survived by is daughter, Donna (Compton) Lang and husband Eddie (Abilene,Tx).  Granddaughter Maxi (Lang) Kirk and husband Stacy; Great Grandchildren Kylee Kirk & Maci Kirk.  Grandson Sha Lang and his wife Molly Lang; Great grandchildren Noah Lang & Mia Lang.

His son Rupert Compton and wife Cindy (Burnet, Tx).   Grandson Brian Compton and wife Kacie; Great Grandchildren Cole Compton, Cooper Compton, Connor Compton.  Granddaughter Courtney Beeman and husband Dennis; Great Grandchildren Madelyn Beeman, Preston Beeman and Aiden Beeman along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu for flowers, the family would be honored with memorials to the Hamlin Church of Christ fund in his name.