Don Alton Faver

Don Alton Faver of Abilene, Texas passed away on June 3, 2021 at the age of 91. He was born on January 8, 1930 to Irl and Ruth (Scott) Faver in Fisher County, Texas. On June 3, 1955, he married Joyce Kent with whom he started a family that includes two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Don was known for his kindness and compassion for others in every aspect of his life.

He graduated from Abilene Christian College with a bachelor’s in education in 1951, and he began serving in the US Navy later that year, ultimately rising to the rank of Commander during his 39 years of active duty and reserve service. Following active duty, he began working as a teacher in Abilene ISD and completed his masters in education at ACU. He was a beloved teacher and counselor at Abilene schools for 32 years, most notably at Mann Junior High (later middle) School. He loved teaching and working with students and always aimed to set them up for success. His favorite memories were of teaching Driver’s Ed and helping Mann students prepare four-year plans to finish high school well and prepare for their adult lives.

Don’s commitment to helping others grew out of his faith, and he also served as a mentor in the broader Christian community through his work as an elder at University Church of Christ in Abilene, in prison ministry, and in establishing Christian Village. He was always encouraging to others and aimed to make people feel welcome, valued, and loved. His commitment to kind and compassionate education and mentorship will be remembered for many years to come and will be carried on in the lives of his family, his friends, and his former students.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce of Abilene, Texas; children, Gail Planes and husband, Daniel of Palamos, Spain, Kent Faver and wife, Susan of Lufkin, Texas; grandchildren, Adriana Planes Fullerton and husband, Landon (Adelyn), Alan Planes and wife, Michelle, Andrew Planes, Megan Faver Hartline and husband, Garrison (Samuel), and Macey Faver Talpur and husband, Omar; and numerous other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irl and Ruth Faver; brother, Robert Faver; and sister, Marilee (Faver) Jordan.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, June 8 from 5-7 pm and a funeral service on Wednesday, June 9 at 9:30am, both at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Christian Service Center in Abilene, TX, Meals on Wheels, or your local food bank.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.