Donald "Don" Jonas

Donald “Don” Jonas, 85, of Pampa, passed away March 19, 2024, in Pampa.

Services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, March 22, 2024, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:30PM Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the funeral home.

Don was born November 3, 1938, to Clyde N. and Bessie Violet Jonas at the old Pampa Hospital in Pampa.

Don attended Pampa schools beginning with Horace Mann Elementary, graduating from Pampa High School with the class of 1957. He was a football fan and played for Jr. High Reapers and Pampa Harvesters where he was a tri-captain his sophomore year and a co-captain his senior year. 

Don married his high school sweetheart, Martha Nolen, on August 22, 1957, and they raised a son, Randy, and daughter, Denise. 

Don served in the National Guard and attended Frank Phillips Jr. College. He began learning the automobile business by working as parts manager and later in new and used car sales for Clyde Jonas Rambler Dealerships.  

Adventurous spirits led the couple to move to the Bay Area of California, where Don was employed in the automobile industry with Colombus Motor Co. in Hayward, California. After the birth of their daughter in 1963, the family returned to the Panhandle. They landed in Amarillo where Don sold cars for Brown Pontiac and Plains Chevrolet. 

Returning to Pampa in 1969 Don and his father established a used car business on Highway 60. Ever the entrepreneur, in 1973 Don opened Don Jonas Welding as a contract welder, and in 1983, Don Jonas Calligraphy, selling his artistic talents from coast to coast and some international. 

He always boldly declared the testimony of his salvation and his love for the Lord. A humble and talented man, Don inspired many and won the love and respect of all who know him. He was adored by his family. Don was preceded in death by his parents.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha Jonas of the home; son, Randy Jonas and wife Pam of Pampa; daughter, Denise Jonas of Red River, NM; five grandchildren Josh Paul and wife Ralee of Canyon, Tyler Jonas and wife Jeanne of Amarillo, Garrett Jonas and wife Jessica of Pampa, Arron Kerbo and wife Samantha of Leavenworth, Kansas, Camille Garrett of Red River, NM; thirteen great grandchildren; sister Carolyn Stokes and husband John of Pampa.