Donald Lloyd Boatwright

Donald Lloyd Boatwright, 79, was born September 13, 1947, in Henderson, Texas, and passed away October 2, 2026, in Kingwood, Texas. A graduate of Gaston High School, Donald spent more than 50 years working in the oilfield. Truly old school when it came to business, he possessed a depth of knowledge about drilling and oil tools that was hard to match. His expertise was earned through a lifetime of hard work, long days, difficult jobs, and countless miles traveled.

Donald’s career and adventures took him across the country and around the world, including Pennsylvania, Africa, Venezuela, and many other places. Every place came with a story, and Donald loved sharing stories about work, colorful characters, pranks he pulled, and adventures that sometimes seemed to get a little better each time he told them.

The greatest love of Donald’s life was his wife, Carolyn. During their 40 years together, he worked tirelessly to provide a good life for Carolyn and her children. His love and devotion were evident in the life they built together and in the care he gave his family.

Donald never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and before long they would be laughing and swapping stories as though they had known each other for years. His infectious laugh, sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and genuine warmth made him unforgettable. He enjoyed watching his Dallas Cowboys, telling stories from a lifetime of adventures, and simply being around people. Humble by nature, Donald was more comfortable showing the kind of man he was through his actions than hearing others speak of his goodness.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Melba Green Boatwright, and his sisters, Donna Saffel and Connie Conner. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn E. Boatwright; his sons, Jody Savant and wife Kristen, and Michael Darrin Savant and wife Crystal; his daughters, Cheryl Savant, and Angela Sarver and husband Mark; his brothers, Bon Boatwright and wife Tami, and Ronnie Boatwright and wife Janet; and his grandchildren, Olivia, Ryan, Hunter, Elise, Alexia, Anna, John Paul, Elle, Brooke, and Michael David.

Donald is also survived by his special daughter, Garnetta Bevins, and her husband, Joshua. Garnetta was loved as family and held a very special place in Donald’s heart.

Donald will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, laughed often, and lived a remarkable life. He leaves behind enough stories to fill a book and enough memories to last a lifetime. His laugh, friendship, stories, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Altus Hospice and HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood for the care and compassion they provided Donald during his final days.