In Loving Memory of Walton Donnie Hood III (1933 to 2011)

December 19, 2011 | MariaNews.com 

In Loving Memory of Walton Donnie Hood III 

Don Hood passed away at approximately 11:00 a.m., Sunday, December 18th, at Houston Hospice, in the presence of his wife, Lola Kay.

Survivors of Don Hood, include his wife, Lola Kay Hood, Angleton, TX., son, Walton Hood, Sarasota, FL., grandson Royce Hood, Naples, FL., mother, Josephine Marchbanks Hood, 101 years of age, Richardson, TX., sister, Martha Cannon, Richardson, TX., and sister-in-law, Christine Palmer, Clute, TX..

Walton Donnie Hood III was born November 15, 1933, in Houston, Texas, to Walton Donnie Hood, Jr. and his wife, Josephine Marchbanks Hood. His mother was an accomplished pianist. He and his family lived in numerous communities in Texas until they settled in San Benito when Don was in the sixth grade. In 1946 a new band director arrived, Nelson G. Patrick. He recruited most of the seventh graders for band and Don selected the French horn. The next year the “San Benito French Horn Quartet” was formed. These four players gained state and national recognition, culminating with three of them holding top chairs at TMEA All-State Band and giving a concert there in 1952.

Don Hood had many notable accomplishments in his 50 plus year career working for the public school system in Texas.   He worked as the Angleton High School band director for eleven years starting in 1965.   Don built the band from approximately 90 students to over 350 students.  The Angleton band performed for national television numerous times at Houston Oiler games and at the Cotton Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1972 the band was selected by the Angleton Chamber of Commerce as “Citizen of the Year.”  The band was the winner of the nationally televised Tournament of Roses marching contest in 1973. The band was also selected to perform at the first game held in the New Orleans Super Dome. The Angleton band, a “military style” marching group that included up to 350 members, often spread end zone to end zone.    Read More here.

The Memorial Service: will be held for Don Hood on Wednesday, December 21st, 10:30 a.m. at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 227 S. Chenango, Angleton, Tx. 77515.

A luncheon, hosted by the Angleton High School Alumni Band will follow immediately in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church, 130 S. Arcola, Angleton, Tx.

For more information call the 
Church Office: 979-849-1269
  or visit http://holycomforterangleton.org/

Reflection by Royce Hood:  Some of the fondest memories I have of my Granddad are the summer camping trips we took to Colorado.   My Granddad would take me trout fishing at Chapman Dam and other really beautiful spots.    My favorite place was the Difficult Creek Campground just outside of Aspen where my Granddad and Mimi would bring their camping trailer.     We would go hiking on the trails during the day and would sit around the camp fire at night.   I can almost smell the crisp mountain air just thinking about it.

One of my Granddad’s last wishes was that his memorial service not be a sad event but a happy one.   He didn’t want people to focus on his death but rather on his life.    Don was a strong man, both physically but also mentally and spiritually.    He was a leader and focused not on the problems but on the solutions.   He worked hard and passionately to inspire and to lead.

I am so incredibly blessed to have had  Don as my Granddad.  He was incredibly loving and he constantly tried to encourage me to be the best I could be.   I am looking forward to visiting with his many friends, former students and co-workers this coming Wednesday in Angleton, Texas.

Thank you for your prayers.

For a digital scrap book created by Don Hood click here: http://www.pbmalpha.org/215_Hood/215.pdf

Angleton High School Years: 1965-1977. Photo by Paul McNutt, a student at Angleton High School. The photo won first place at the Brazoria County Fair