Donald Lee Lilly

Donald Lee Lilly, born on April 12, 1970, in Glendale, California, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, in Dallas, Texas at Baylor Medical Center with his wife and son Blake at his side. A beloved husband, father, and friend, Donald’s life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to his family and a deep love for his wife.

Educated in Mansfield, he graduated from Mansfield High School in 1988 and later earned his Plumber’s License while working at TD Industries. Donald embraced a diverse career path, starting at Tres MFG, moving on to the City of Mansfield Parks Department, TD Industries, and Southern Methodist University before finding his true calling at KMP Plumbing. His professionalism and commitment to his work left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

A Christian man with complete faith in Jesus Christ, a devoted family man, Donald displayed his love for his wife, Janice Fox Lilly, through countless gestures of affection, including the playful backflips he would execute just for her. Their marriage, which spanned 40 remarkable years, was filled with love and commitment that inspired all who knew them. Together, they created a nurturing environment for their children: sons Derek D. F. Lilly and K. Blake F. Lilly, who is married to Malia, and daughter-in-law Kamella Lilly. Donald was also a proud grandfather to Greyson, Emmy Lou, Austin, and Jade, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Known for his kind, sweet, loyal, and loving personality, Donald was a strong and athletic figure who took great delight in attending his children’s sporting events, cheering them on with enthusiasm. His interests were diverse; he loved the Dallas Cowboys, played music as a natural-born drummer in bands such as "Entrapment" and "Determination," and found peace in fishing and birdwatching as well as spending time with his friends, drinking beer. Additionally, he cherished family vacations at the beach, particularly in Destin, Florida, which held a special place in his heart.

Donald is survived by his loving wife Janice, their sons Derek and Blake, daughters-in-law Malia and Kamella, and grandchildren Greyson, Emmy Lou Austin and Jade, as well as his sister Dawna Lake, mother Linda Nichols, and step-father Richard Nichols, along with countless sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember his warmth and unwavering love.

He is preceded in death by his best friend Robert "Moose" Wood, father-in-law Ted K. Fox, mother-in-law Mary H. Fox, sister-in-law Sherri Fox Woosley, nephew Kenton Dickerson, father Donald C. Lake, sister Veronica Lake, uncle Larry Cope, grandmother Anne Lilly, and aunt Sandra Overstreet.

A celebration of Donald's life will take place on April 21, 2025, with a memorial service held at Blessing Colonial Chapel in Mansfield, Texas. Friends and family are welcomed to gather from 2:00 PM, with services commencing at 3:00 PM.

Donald Lee Lilly will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his loving spirit, dedication to family, and the joyful memories he leaves behind.