Donald Mark Short

Donald Mark Short 56 of Hewitt fell into the arms of Jesus and gained his angel wings on Feb 17, 2021 at a local hospital. Don received a transplant in 2015, but, due to complications his health had been declining the last year. A memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 27th at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with Pastor John Rambeau officiating. Masks are encouraged but not required.

Don was born July 9th, 1964 in Germany to Thomas and Dolores Short.  Don graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in San Antonio.

The family moved numerous times, with his father being military, and ended up in San Antonio in 1980.  Don played on youth baseball and basketball teams. In his teens he took a trip with his school from Heidelberg Germany to the Vatican which he thoroughly enjoyed. When he was growing up his dad would plan every weekend where they did things as a family.  They learned to horseback ride and swim. They went to amusement parks and regularly went to Salado Park located on Fort Sam Houston for recreation as well.  Over the years, whenever his dad was being transferred to a new location he would take time to visit with both sides of the family. They traveled to visit family in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland, and Colorado. Dolores was a dedicated and affectionate mother, grandmother, and loved spending time with her family. Don looked forward to his weekly Friday afternoon calls with his mother.

Don worked in several restaurants in San Antonio before transferring to Waco to work at Taco Cabana where he met Cathy while inquiring about advertising. Don and Cathy were married on June 7th, 1993. Don decided in order to spend more time with his family and not work at night and all major holidays a career change would be best.  Don got his real estate license and loved helping families find their forever homes. He met many people while in real estate who became more than clients or coworkers; they were wonderful friends.

Don and Cathy loved to spend time together and formed close bonds and friendships while serving as ushers and greeters at Waco Christian Fellowship and High Point Church. They had season tickets to Baylor Football and Lady Bears games for over 15 years. Don had his Baylor caps and a closet full of Baylor gear that he wore proudly. Even if he was in the hospital, Cathy knew she had better take him a Baylor cap to wear.  If the Bears were on TV, she made sure to keep the hospital room door closed so he didn’t disturb the other patients while yelling at the refs. No matter how bad he felt, a Baylor win always put a smile on his face.

Don loved his family and was so proud of his 3 daughters, son in law, and 7 grandchildren. His eyes would light up when he saw that Laura, Kristin or Shannon was calling or texting him. Before Don got sick some of his favorite things to do were travel to Special Olympics events to watch Kristin play basketball and going to his grandchildren’s birthday parties.  He always looked forward to spending time with his two brothers, Bill and Joe, and his nephew Sam Jr. when they came to spend weekends and go to Baylor games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Earl Short, Dolores Benz Short; brother, William Lafaver; brother-in-law, Sammy Wages, Sr.; fathers-in-law, Bob R. Jones and Jack Weathers.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cathy Short; mother in law, Bobbie Weathers; children Laura Schoenbacher, and husband, Logan, Kristin Short, Shannon Short; 7 grandchildren; Madison, Rylee, Landon, Mason, Diamond, Sophia,  Ariel; siblings,  Linda Wages, and Joseph Short; niece, Dolores Wages; nephews, Michael Wages, Sammy Wages Jr., Michael Lafaver, Stephen Lafaver, and wife Marta; and special four legged companion that was always by his side, Celeste.

Special thanks to Dr. Ancha, Dr Graham, Pastor John and Sherri Rambeau,  our families, the KWTX family, and many special friends and clients for supporting and praying for us over the past 7 years.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Fuzzy Friends Rescue where the Shorts adopted 3 special additions to the family, High Point Church Waco, or charity of your choice.

Registry for Don Short