Don "Gapples" Tugwell

Donald Neil Tugwell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at the age of 92 surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born on February 3, 1933, in Levelland, Texas, to Claud Tugwell and Lucinda Hamm. A proud Texan through and through, Don lived a life of deep faith, steady hard work, and devoted family love.

Don served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict for two years. After his military service, he returned home and married the love of his life, Opal Mae Wade, on July 11, 1958, at Morningside Baptist Church in Levelland. Their marriage, which lasted 65 years until Opal’s passing, was a true testament to love, commitment, and partnership.

The young couple briefly moved to Eunice, New Mexico, where Don worked for Halliburton Oil. But it wasn’t long before the call of the land brought them back to Levelland, where Don joined his father in farming cotton. For 29 years, Don and Opal worked side by side on the farm, raising crops and their three daughters: Dawn Renee, born June 24, 1959; Sherry Deanne, born February 21, 1961; and Marla Jeanette, born April 25, 1962.

Don was deeply rooted in his community, serving several terms on the Co-Op Gin Board and remaining active in the local farming industry. After retiring from farming, he continued his commitment to public service by working for Hockley County Precinct #1 for ten years.

Faith was the foundation of Don’s life. He was a deacon at both Morningside Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church in Levelland, where he was a Charter Member. Don and Opal dedicated their lives to serving others through their church, participating in Youth Ministry, Royal Ambassadors, missions, the Baptism Committee, and Senior Citizen Ministries.

Family was Don’s greatest joy. In 1988, when he became a grandfather, he lovingly earned the nickname "Gapples." He cherished his time with his seven grandchildren—teaching them to ride horses, jump rope in the kitchen, and taking them on backyard camping adventures. He was immensely proud of his “BRATS” and delighted in loving on his 18 great-grandchildren.

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife Opal, his parents Claud and Lucinda Tugwell, and six siblings. He is survived by his brother Claud Tugwell, Jr. of Amarillo; his daughters Dawn (Whit) Childers, Sherry Carter, and Marla Blocker; his grandchildren Haleigh Howe (Caleb), Brittni Wilkerson (Kolby), Ashley Friesen (John), Whitney Blocker (Zael Rodriguez), Hunter Carter (Maddy), Devin Carter (Kaitlyn), and Mallary “Malikye” Blocker; and his 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4,2025 from 5–7 p.m. at Krestridge Funeral Home in Levelland. A celebration of Don’s life will take place on Thursday, June 5,2025 at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, followed by internment at City of Levelland Cemetery.

Don Tugwell leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111