Don Franklin Hulsey went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 88.
Don was born on June 1, 1937, to Hardy and Willie Hulsey in Snyder. He spent his childhood in Perryton, where he played football and ran track for the Rangers, graduating in 1955. He then attended and graduated from West Texas State University before beginning his teaching career in Amarillo.
He married Gaynelle Leatherman, the love of his life, on January 23, 1960. They moved to Perryton, where Don continued his teaching and coaching career, in addition to farming.
Many knew him as “Coach Hulsey” or “Farmer Don.” In his later years, he was known for following the promptings of the Lord and sharing his faith and hope in Christ by giving out little pocket crosses.
He was an athlete and remained active all through his life. After retiring from teaching, he continued to farm and maintain the homeplace until he and Gaynelle moved to Amarillo in 2013.
While living in Perryton, Don served with the Kiwanis Club and was active in the Walk to Emmaus community. He also served on the Teachers Credit Union Board. After moving to Amarillo, he became a member of Hillside Christian Church and was actively involved in the Senior Life Bible Study.
Don loved teaching, coaching, encouraging, pushing, and instilling discipline in his students. He would often say, “I’m just here for the children!”—and he truly meant it. Don had a deep love for the Perryton Rangers, boating, picnics, trips to Red River, trips to the Hill Country, and the great state of Texas. He enjoyed Lonesome Dove, John Wayne movies, Gunsmoke, Texas Country Reporter, and, most recently, Judge Judy!
More than anything, Don loved the Lord, his country, and his family. The Hulsey roots run deep. He was a loving husband, a wonderful dad, and an amazing Pa Pa Don. His family will miss his calls and the messages he would leave. He was funny, wise, ornery, and a great friend. Dadgum, he will be missed.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Melvin Hulsey, Lynn Hulsey, Mary Jo Zenor, and Larry Hulsey.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gaynelle; his son, Ricky, and wife, Julie, of Perryton; his daughter, Teri Barber, and husband, Russell, of Amarillo; a sister, Merle Piersall, of Lubbock; a sister- in-law, Nan Jean Hulsey, of Amarillo; six grandchildren: Brody and wife Kari Hollis, Haley King and husband AJ, Colton Corbin, Hunter Hulsey, Kyler Corbin, and Hayden Hollis; as well as eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 1, at Boxwell Brothers Chapel, 2800 Paramount, Amarillo, followed by a graveside service at Ochiltree Cemetery, Perryton, at 3 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Fill With Hope of Canyon, The Salvation Army, or a charity of your choosing.