Donald L. Toombs

Donald L. Toombs, born on November 21, 1937, in Enid, Oklahoma, was the beloved son of the late Rev. J.B. and Cora Toombs in Enid, Oklahoma. Donald was the 15th child of 16 children. Being the son of a minister, he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church, Enid, Oklahoma. He attended Booker T. Washington in Enid, Oklahoma, and after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he traveled all over the world and served from 1954 to 1958.

In 1958, he retired from the Navy and moved to California, where he worked in various occupations. He was later hired by the California school district, and this is where he met the love of his life, the late Frances Jean Crowe Toombs, and they were married for 57 years. Don worked for the Los Angeles ISD for 28 years as a Facility Supervisor, where he supervised approximately 35 people who worked under his direction. Don and Frances lived in California for forty years and finally grew tired of the busy streets and crime rate, so they decided to leave California and move to Texas, where they bought a home in Desoto, Texas. Donald loved Frances and tried everything he could to make her happy; whatever she wanted, Don made sure she got it. There were no children born to this union, but they had each other, and that was enough. On January 17, 2021, God called his beloved wife Frances home to be with the Lord. Because of the love that they both shared for so many years, Don was heartbroken after her death, but by the grace of God, he stood tall and continued to live out his life and soul's salvation. He loved to hunt, fish, play golf, and watch football. His favorite football team was the Kansas City Chiefs. He would watch them over and over every day. He watched old football games and new football games on a daily basis. This is how he spent his days, and he was happy with his football routine.

He leaves to cherish his memories two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Frazier of Desoto, Texas, and Ms. Bertha Jean Toombs of Los Angeles, California; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; two very special friends, Mr. Leon Thompson and Mr. John Wooten; a special nephew, Mr. Bernard James of Hutchinson, Kansas; a great-nephew, Mr. Jeremiah Crockett of Desoto, Texas; and his devoted caretaker, Mrs. Barbara Ely, Desoto, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Jean Toombs; his sister-in-law, Betty Crowe, who lived with him and his wife from day one until her death in 2023; his parents, Rev. J.B. & Cora Toombs; and siblings Willie Toombs, Louis Toombs, Jessie Toombs, Sabrina Toombs, Cecil Piercy, Margarette Piercy, Josephine Piercy, Preston Toombs, Mack Toombs, Ophelia Gilstrap, Dorothy Moye, and Barbara Hadley.

Donald was quiet but had an extremely loving spirit. He was kind to everyone he met, and he never met a stranger. In this time of transition, let us remember Donald as he would want us to, with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for his wonderful life. His memory will forever live in our hearts, and his legacy will continue to inspire us to be kinder and more compassionate. Donald, your life was a blessing, and your memory is a treasure.