Donald “Donnie” Lantrip, 73, of Angleton passed away on January 16, 2026. Donnie was born on February 21, 1952, in Houston to Vernon Lantrip and Gladys Marie (Collins) Lantrip.
He grew up in Angleton, Texas, during the 50’s and 60’s, spending much of his childhood on Lorraine Street, where lifelong memories were made. Alongside his brothers—Billy, Ronnie, and Kenny Lantrip—Donnie lived for sports. The brothers even built a track in their backyard, which became a gathering place for neighborhood kids to come together and play.
Donnie attended Angleton Junior High and Angleton High School, where he proudly competed in football and track & field. He held the discus record in Angleton for many years, a testament to his athletic talent and dedication.
He was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany, where he served honorably before receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, Donnie began his career at Dow Chemical, later continuing his professional life with the Angleton Post Office, where he worked for many years before retiring.
Donnie was a devoted father to his two children that he shared with Sherry Lantrip, Jason Lantrip and Brooke Barfuss. He was their biggest supporter, faithfully attending all of their activities and sporting events. He was also a proud father-in-law to Zachary Barfuss.
His greatest joy came from his grandchildren: Joshua, Sky, and Jacob Lantrip, and Hudson, Jackson, and Beckham Barfuss. Attending their games and cheering them on brought him immense happiness, and he rarely missed an opportunity to support them. He spent countless weekends traveling all over the greater Houston area to watch his grandchildren play sports, never missing a chance to encourage them, celebrate their efforts, and simply be present. He recently traveled to Cooperstown, NY to watch his grandson Hudson play baseball.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Donnie was a passionate supporter of the Angleton Wildcats, holding season tickets to every football season. He was also a loyal fan of the Houston Oilers and later the Houston Texans, maintaining season tickets for their games as well.
Donnie was a world traveler, visiting many places across the United States and around the globe. He deeply enjoyed exploring different countries, immersing himself in their cultures, and experiencing their remarkable sights. One especially meaningful moment in his life was being baptized in the Jordan River.
Committed to staying active, Donnie worked out regularly and competed in the National Senior Games for many years, participating in shot put, discus, hammer throw, and javelin. One year when the Senior Games were held in Houston, he competed, alongside his brothers; Billy who competed in racquetball and softball, and Ronnie who competed in the basketball competition.
In addition to athletics, Donnie had many hobbies. He loved family vacations, cooking and trying new foods, enjoyed gardening, attending concerts, and was an avid collector of Harley-Davidson memorabilia.
Donnie is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces Mistie and Sandi Lantrip, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Gladys Lantrip and nephew, John Lantrip, and his beloved dogs, Roscoe and Copper.
Though health challenges affected him this past year, Donnie fought bravely until the end. His family finds comfort in knowing that he now has the best seat in the house, watching over those he loved so deeply.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Palm’s Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas.
Palms Funeral Home
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