Don Cernosek

Graveside services for Don Cernosek of Bellaire, Texas will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Apple Springs.

Don Cernosek, aged 96, passed away on November 3, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born on July 24, 1930, in Ganado, Texas, to Henry E. and Willie Mae Cernosek, Don grew up in a lively house alongside his siblings Gladys, Billy, Timmy, Linda, and Michael - and was rarely seen without his childhood partner-in-crime, Jack Schaffer.

A proud veteran, Don served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Sidi Slimane, French Morocco. Upon returning home, he brought that same dedication to his career as an accomplished realtor, building a fiercely loyal network of business partners and lifelong friends.

Don’s greatest conquest, however, came on a night out trolling the local "joints", where he spotted Frances Hales. She was hard to get, but Don was working overtime to get her. After strategically joining her group at a diner, he tried to sweep her off her feet right then and there with a dance - only to be promptly informed by management that dancing in the diner was strictly prohibited. Undeterred, he won her heart anyway, launching a devoted, laughter-filled 68-year marriage.

The center of Don’s world was his beloved daughter, Deddera Cernosek Weathers. From the moment she arrived, Deddera was the apple of his eye and was there offering unconditional support, stepping up in any time of need, or simply being her biggest champion.

Don’s warmth only deepened when he welcomed his granddaughter, Haley. She was the light of his life, bringing him a quirky, profound pride and a joy he cherished every single day.

Don was a man of firm principles and discipline believing everything had a precise place and had better be returned there immediately. Yet, his tight discipline was balanced by a wonderfully cheeky sense of humor. He was legendary for holding doors open for complete strangers while loudly declaring, "Free Doorperson!" to anyone walking through. When he wasn't offering his complimentary door service, he was holding court at the grill, putting his legendary barbecue skills to work at every family holiday and event.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances; his cherished daughter, Deddera; his fabulous granddaughter, Haley; his sister, Linda Rinehart, and her family; his brother, Michael Cernosek, and his family; and his great-grand-dog, Bingham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry E. and Willie Mae Cernosek; his brother, Billy Cernosek; and his sister, Gladys Cernosek.

Pallbearers will be Greg Hales, Wesley Wilson, Maged Ayyad, and Dan O’Connor.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.