Lyle Donathan

On Wednesday evening, October 25, 2023 Weldon "Lyle" Donathan of Wolfforth, TX, passed into the arms of his heavenly father in Lubbock, TX. Lyle was born to Joyce Voncil Paschall Donathan and Clarance Wayne Donathan in Crosbyton, TX, on March 19, 1957. Lyle was the oldest of Wayne and Voncil's three children with Lyniece coming next and Lance to complete the family. Lyle graduated from Ralls High School in 1975, and went on to attend college at Texas Tech University in pursuit of a degree in education that he wanted to use to coach. Over the years he found himself working in the automotive parts business where he would gravitate the majority of his life; starting with Ralls Auto Parts, moving to Bennett Auto Supply and on to Parts Place, both of Lubbock. At one of those auto parts businesses he met the love of his life, Melodie Neher, who had been sent to pick up parts for her father, a local mechanic. They married on April 12, 1980 in Lubbock and together over 43 years built a beautiful life full to the brim. In April of 1988 they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Chelsea and in May of 1995 the birth of their son, Brandt. He would be their biggest fan, supporter, coach, cheerleader, voice of reason, and rock solid foundation through every horse and stock show, basketball or baseball game, track meet, and agri-science fair. In 1984 he began a career with ATP, where he rose up through the company moving to Raleigh, NC and then to the position of assistant national sales manager over the United States and Canada with the corporate office in the Chicagoland area. He and Melodie returned to Texas in 2000 to settle in Wolfforth and begin a small automotive business selling high end automotive equipment. Lyle was a lifelong Red Raider fan, the Scarlet and Black running so deep through his veins he could enjoy watching anything supporting the double T- baseball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf with a strong devotion and loyalty. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Voncil and sister, Marsha Lyniece Donathan Knowles. He is survived by his wife Melodie, his daughter Chelsea Donathan of Wolfforth, his son, Brandt Donathan of Lubbock, and his brother Lance Donathan of Abilene, TX. He dearly loved his four grandchildren all of Wolfforth, Atlee, Chenery, Enzo, and Zander, In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Lubbock Monterey AMBUCS for the purchase of an AMTRYKE or Frenship Youth Baseball (PO Box 53591 Lubbock, TX 79453). A celebration of his life will be 9:00 AM, Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Highland Baptist Church with Mark McMillan and Nick Watts officiating. If you plan on attending the service, the family asks that you wear your favorite Texas Tech Red Raider attire, in memory of Lyle. Please celebrate the life of Lyle by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com.

Lyle Donathan

March 19, 1957 - October 25, 2023