Donald B. Harrelson
January 1, 1932 - October 13, 2023
Donald B. Harrelson, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Don was born on January 1, 1932, in Mexico, Missouri to parents Ruby Biggerstaff and Edgar E. Harrelson.
Don grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from Phoenix North High School. He briefly attended Wittier College in California on a Basketball Scholarship, leaving early due to the Korean War Draft. After enlisting in the United States Air Force, he was an Air Force security police officer and vice squad detective. His next assignment was Officer Candidate School where he finished third in his class.
As an Officer, the Air Force sent him to Michigan State University where he earned a Criminology Degree with Highest Honors. He received his Master's in Business Administration from George Washington University and attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. Don held leadership roles securing Air Force Bases around the country and finished his service at Randolph AFB.
After serving 20 years and retiring as a Major from the Air Force, Don joined the faculty of Texas State University. During his time at Texas State, he advanced from being an instructor to becoming Chairman of the Department of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean of the School of Applied Arts. He built the nationally known Texas State Criminal Justice Department and initiated training programs for Judges, Sheriff Departments, and the Crime Prevention Institute. Don was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement and went on to coauthor the highly successful text, "The Texas Peace Officer."
Among his many accolades, Don was recognized as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and the Outstanding Criminal Justice Educator for the State of Texas. He built a foundation for our country's future criminal justice leaders and was very proud of Texas State University graduates that have included State Judges, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, FBI Agents, Police Chiefs, DPS State Troopers, Police Officers, and many others. Don fully embraced and exemplified the benefits of lifelong learning and instilled this value in his sons and their families.
When Don retired from Texas State University, you could find him traveling our beautiful country in his motor coach, working in his garden, and giving the grandchildren rides on his tractor. Together with Anna Mae, they cheered on countless basketball teams and enjoyed happy hour and dining on Anna Mae's scrumptious meals. Family memories were made poolside in their backyard playing competitive games of pool basketball and chicken, spending the night on funny beds, and being spoiled by Grandma's cookies and Grandpa's root beer floats. Don never missed a chance to give pointers to his sons and grandchildren and teach them many important life lessons.
A special thanks goes to the caring and professional staff of The Towers at Park Lane that work diligently to make being a resident so enjoyable. Thank you, also, to the many wonderful and kind friends Don made while living at The Towers. To the doctors and nurses at Brooke Army Medical Center, your exceptional care, patience and understanding in caring for Don are so appreciated.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Evan; sister, Dorothy; and beloved wife of 59 years, Anna Mae Harrelson. He is survived by his three sons and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Donald B. Harrelson Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice at Texas State University (established February 1997).
Graveside: Monday, October 30, 2023, 10:00AM
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Porter Loring Mortuary
January 1, 1932 - October 13, 2023
Donald B. Harrelson, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Don was born on January 1, 1932, in Mexico, Missouri to parents Ruby Biggerstaff and Edgar E. Harrelson.
Don grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from Phoenix North High School. He briefly attended Wittier College in California on a Basketball Scholarship, leaving early due to the Korean War Draft. After enlisting in the United States Air Force, he was an Air Force security police officer and vice squad detective. His next assignment was Officer Candidate School where he finished third in his class.
As an Officer, the Air Force sent him to Michigan State University where he earned a Criminology Degree with Highest Honors. He received his Master's in Business Administration from George Washington University and attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. Don held leadership roles securing Air Force Bases around the country and finished his service at Randolph AFB.
After serving 20 years and retiring as a Major from the Air Force, Don joined the faculty of Texas State University. During his time at Texas State, he advanced from being an instructor to becoming Chairman of the Department of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean of the School of Applied Arts. He built the nationally known Texas State Criminal Justice Department and initiated training programs for Judges, Sheriff Departments, and the Crime Prevention Institute. Don was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement and went on to coauthor the highly successful text, "The Texas Peace Officer."
Among his many accolades, Don was recognized as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and the Outstanding Criminal Justice Educator for the State of Texas. He built a foundation for our country's future criminal justice leaders and was very proud of Texas State University graduates that have included State Judges, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, FBI Agents, Police Chiefs, DPS State Troopers, Police Officers, and many others. Don fully embraced and exemplified the benefits of lifelong learning and instilled this value in his sons and their families.
When Don retired from Texas State University, you could find him traveling our beautiful country in his motor coach, working in his garden, and giving the grandchildren rides on his tractor. Together with Anna Mae, they cheered on countless basketball teams and enjoyed happy hour and dining on Anna Mae's scrumptious meals. Family memories were made poolside in their backyard playing competitive games of pool basketball and chicken, spending the night on funny beds, and being spoiled by Grandma's cookies and Grandpa's root beer floats. Don never missed a chance to give pointers to his sons and grandchildren and teach them many important life lessons.
A special thanks goes to the caring and professional staff of The Towers at Park Lane that work diligently to make being a resident so enjoyable. Thank you, also, to the many wonderful and kind friends Don made while living at The Towers. To the doctors and nurses at Brooke Army Medical Center, your exceptional care, patience and understanding in caring for Don are so appreciated.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Evan; sister, Dorothy; and beloved wife of 59 years, Anna Mae Harrelson. He is survived by his three sons and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Donald B. Harrelson Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice at Texas State University (established February 1997).
Graveside: Monday, October 30, 2023, 10:00AM
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Porter Loring Mortuary
Donald B. Harrelson
January 1, 1932 - October 13, 2023
Donald B. Harrelson, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Don was born on January 1, 1932, in Mexico, Missouri to parents Ruby Biggerstaff and Edgar E. Harrelson.
Don grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from Phoenix North High School. He briefly attended Wittier College in California on a Basketball Scholarship, leaving early due to the Korean War Draft. After enlisting in the United States Air Force, he was an Air Force security police officer and vice squad detective. His next assignment was Officer Candidate School where he finished third in his class.
As an Officer, the Air Force sent him to Michigan State University where he earned a Criminology Degree with Highest Honors. He received his Master's in Business Administration from George Washington University and attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. Don held leadership roles securing Air Force Bases around the country and finished his service at Randolph AFB.
After serving 20 years and retiring as a Major from the Air Force, Don joined the faculty of Texas State University. During his time at Texas State, he advanced from being an instructor to becoming Chairman of the Department of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean of the School of Applied Arts. He built the nationally known Texas State Criminal Justice Department and initiated training programs for Judges, Sheriff Departments, and the Crime Prevention Institute. Don was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement and went on to coauthor the highly successful text, "The Texas Peace Officer."
Among his many accolades, Don was recognized as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and the Outstanding Criminal Justice Educator for the State of Texas. He built a foundation for our country's future criminal justice leaders and was very proud of Texas State University graduates that have included State Judges, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, FBI Agents, Police Chiefs, DPS State Troopers, Police Officers, and many others. Don fully embraced and exemplified the benefits of lifelong learning and instilled this value in his sons and their families.
When Don retired from Texas State University, you could find him traveling our beautiful country in his motor coach, working in his garden, and giving the grandchildren rides on his tractor. Together with Anna Mae, they cheered on countless basketball teams and enjoyed happy hour and dining on Anna Mae's scrumptious meals. Family memories were made poolside in their backyard playing competitive games of pool basketball and chicken, spending the night on funny beds, and being spoiled by Grandma's cookies and Grandpa's root beer floats. Don never missed a chance to give pointers to his sons and grandchildren and teach them many important life lessons.
A special thanks goes to the caring and professional staff of The Towers at Park Lane that work diligently to make being a resident so enjoyable. Thank you, also, to the many wonderful and kind friends Don made while living at The Towers. To the doctors and nurses at Brooke Army Medical Center, your exceptional care, patience and understanding in caring for Don are so appreciated.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Evan; sister, Dorothy; and beloved wife of 59 years, Anna Mae Harrelson. He is survived by his three sons and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Donald B. Harrelson Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice at Texas State University (established February 1997).
Graveside: Monday, October 30, 2023, 10:00AM
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Porter Loring Mortuary
January 1, 1932 - October 13, 2023
Donald B. Harrelson, age 91, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. Don was born on January 1, 1932, in Mexico, Missouri to parents Ruby Biggerstaff and Edgar E. Harrelson.
Don grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from Phoenix North High School. He briefly attended Wittier College in California on a Basketball Scholarship, leaving early due to the Korean War Draft. After enlisting in the United States Air Force, he was an Air Force security police officer and vice squad detective. His next assignment was Officer Candidate School where he finished third in his class.
As an Officer, the Air Force sent him to Michigan State University where he earned a Criminology Degree with Highest Honors. He received his Master's in Business Administration from George Washington University and attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. Don held leadership roles securing Air Force Bases around the country and finished his service at Randolph AFB.
After serving 20 years and retiring as a Major from the Air Force, Don joined the faculty of Texas State University. During his time at Texas State, he advanced from being an instructor to becoming Chairman of the Department of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean of the School of Applied Arts. He built the nationally known Texas State Criminal Justice Department and initiated training programs for Judges, Sheriff Departments, and the Crime Prevention Institute. Don was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement and went on to coauthor the highly successful text, "The Texas Peace Officer."
Among his many accolades, Don was recognized as an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and the Outstanding Criminal Justice Educator for the State of Texas. He built a foundation for our country's future criminal justice leaders and was very proud of Texas State University graduates that have included State Judges, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, FBI Agents, Police Chiefs, DPS State Troopers, Police Officers, and many others. Don fully embraced and exemplified the benefits of lifelong learning and instilled this value in his sons and their families.
When Don retired from Texas State University, you could find him traveling our beautiful country in his motor coach, working in his garden, and giving the grandchildren rides on his tractor. Together with Anna Mae, they cheered on countless basketball teams and enjoyed happy hour and dining on Anna Mae's scrumptious meals. Family memories were made poolside in their backyard playing competitive games of pool basketball and chicken, spending the night on funny beds, and being spoiled by Grandma's cookies and Grandpa's root beer floats. Don never missed a chance to give pointers to his sons and grandchildren and teach them many important life lessons.
A special thanks goes to the caring and professional staff of The Towers at Park Lane that work diligently to make being a resident so enjoyable. Thank you, also, to the many wonderful and kind friends Don made while living at The Towers. To the doctors and nurses at Brooke Army Medical Center, your exceptional care, patience and understanding in caring for Don are so appreciated.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Evan; sister, Dorothy; and beloved wife of 59 years, Anna Mae Harrelson. He is survived by his three sons and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Donald B. Harrelson Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice at Texas State University (established February 1997).
Graveside: Monday, October 30, 2023, 10:00AM
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Porter Loring Mortuary
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
