Don Ray Wilbanks
Don Ray Wilbanks passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019. He was born in Houston, Texas on October 5, 1942. Don graduated from Channelview High School in 1961. He participated in numerous sports and activities and excelled academically.
After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force. He served honorably for 7 years. While serving, he reached a high level of electronics expertise, which served him well in the future.
After his discharge, Don was employed at NASA from October 28, 1968 to September 26, 2019. Over the years, he worked for Northrop-Grumman, Lockheed-Martin, and currently Jacobs Technology. During his employment, he also attended University of Houston. In April 2019, he was presented the prestigious RNASA Award for years of dedicated service to NASA.
In his spare time, he enjoyed watching sports, movies, and traveling. Don and Margo travelled to 43 states together.
He leaves behind wife Margo; daughter Sonja Milette; grandchildren Kaitlynn, Raiden, Gavin, and Tyler; chihuahua’s Lucy and Bonne; brothers Jerry (Pat), Steve (Marilyn), Keith (Toni), and Jeff, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 3rd from 6 – 8 P.M. at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX. Burial will be Friday, October 4th at 1:15 at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to the League City Animal Shelter or Wounded Warriors.
Don was a special person and he will be missed greatly. Our only regret is that
Don & Sam never made it to the Kentucky Derby. If and when we go, we will
place a bet in Dons name. Hopefully we will win big and give winnings to Margo.
Although they were miles away, Don and Margo have always been close in our
hearts. Don, may you rest in peace in a better place and we can all live in
our memories of you.
Special condolences to Margo and remaining family.
It was a pleasure working with Don 32 years at JSC, Bldg. 13.
May he rest in peace!
I too had the pleasure of working with Don at NASA. He was always easy to talk to and pleasant to be around. He will be missed.
Don will always be remembered for his quick smile, friendly nature, and good heart. Having him and Margo as neighbors for the last 26 years has been a true blessing. You will be missed, Don, but the good memories you left will endure. Rest in peace.
I enjoyed working with Don at NASA Bldg 13. He was a smart and respected man. He will be missed for sure. My condolences to his family.
Margo, I went to Antiques Roundtable where Nancy announced this sad news. I am so very, very sorry. I wish you and yours the best.
Sincerely,
Deborah Gammon
I just learned about Don’s passing and I’m deeply saddened by the loss of such a great coworker and friend. I had the pleasure of working with Don for almost 10 years at JSC and always enjoyed when we work on things together at the Structures Lab. Whenever Don would take a trip to Vegas, I would stop by his office when he got back to hear about his trip and if he had any luck at the casino. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Sad to hear this news and sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Don at NASA-JSC Building 13 back in the late 1970’s – early 80’s when we were Northrop Services Inc. Don was a lead over the structures lab during the early shuttle days and there was a lot of interesting projects going on back then. I enjoyed working with him. Great guy….
I will always remember Don as both a good guy and a good boss. He and Margot attended our wedding and Dolores was pleased to meet my latest boss and his wife. I found out of his passing last year; but, I finally had a chance to leave a thought or two… I also had a radical change in lifestyle due to an unforeseen event. Just like his friends and colleagues I will miss him too. My sincerest condolences to the Wilbanks family.
Dear girl,
I’ve often thought of you through the years.
I’m awfully sorry I had to find you at this point.
God bless you and yours.