Donald Bunnell II, age 70, passed away on April 9, 2023 in Palestine, Texas.

Don was born on January 13, 1953 in Austin, Texas to Don and Dorothy Bunnell. He attended Tyler Junior College and Stephen F. Austin University where he studied music and music education. While at Tyler Junior College, he met Lea Ann Redmond, and the two later married.

Don was a lifelong and avid musician. He had the rare gift of perfect pitch and the ability to learn music by ear. Those who knew him were never surprised if he had a guitar at all times. A fun fact that many people may not know is that one of his favorite instruments was the organ, especially if it had a double keyboard. He is remembered for offering his musical talents for countless weddings, funerals, church events, and festivals over the years.

Don's passion may have been music, but his long standing career was in service with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Beginning in 1986, Don held various positions with TDCJ, including guard, counselor for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and industrial supervisor. He retired from TDCJ at the end of 2010. It was his career with TDCJ that led him to volunteer in prison ministry during his retirement.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Lea Ann, his father and mother, Don and Dorothy, and other relatives. He is survived in death by his daughter, Heather Fondy, and her husband Chris, along with their four daughters, Avery, Olivia, Ella, and Adaline, and his daughter Hailey Porter, with her husband Austin. Additionally, he is survived by friends within music and ministry.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15th at Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations in whatever way you feel led: prison ministry organizations in Texas such as Freedom in Jesus Prison Ministries (www.fijm.org), Jubilee Prison Ministry (www.jubileeprisonministry.org), Kairos Prison Ministry (www.kairostexas.org), or donations for health care and medical treatments through the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.