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In memory of

Donald Joseph Codenys

Fayetteville, TX, USA

August 24, 1937 - July 3, 2020

Aug 24, 1937 - Jul 3, 2020

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Don Codenys, 82 of Fayetteville, Texas passed away in Austin, Texas on Friday, July 3 from complications related to COVID-19.

In 1920, Ceriel and Martha Codenys emigrated from Meulebeke, Belgium through Ellis Island and settled in Billings, Montana to start a sugar beet farm. Don was born on August 24, 1937.

A quiet, humble man, Don was caring and kind. Though he didn’t have a lot to say, what he did say was valued. He was known for his incredible work ethic, and at the time of his death, was working 5 different jobs in his adopted hometown of Fayetteville TX. Don left a remarkable legacy and will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. His wit and dry sense of humor, combined with his unassuming nature, was evident all the way to the end—even as he battled the virus.

Don spent his youth playing with model trains. Don and his “Pops” spent hours working on an elaborate model train set that included a miniature town and beautiful scenery. Don loved the feel, the texture and the smell of working with wood, building miniature structures. As a young man he realized he didn’t want to work on the sugar beet farm, recognizing what a hard life it was for his family. Following graduation from high school in Billings, Don joined the United States Airforce and rose quickly through the ranks becoming an air traffic controller in four years.

In the late 1960’s, Don relocated to Denver and began his civilian career at Stapleton Airport as an air traffic controller. Not long after landing there, he met a spirited, young flight attendant named Charlene Howard. They married and, in 1968 gave birth to their daughter, Tawnya.

In the early 70’s Don moved his young family to Tucson, Arizona where he had landed a new gig as an instructor, teaching other air traffic controllers the art of the craft. After a few years, he made a decision to switch gears and pursue his love and passion for woodworking. So once, again, he moved his family—this time to Lockhart, Texas—where he began a successful career building homes.

In 1972, Don and Charlene divorced and he poured himself into his work. Today, hundreds of Don’s custom-built homes still provide shelter for families in South-Central, Texas.

In 1978, Don married Judy Evanicky and they eventually found their way to Fayetteville where he spent the remainder of his life. Don and Judy added to their family by becoming guardians of Judy’s nephews, Joshua and Jordan. Don stayed committed to the boys long after Judy passed in 2006. Don’s commitment to “his boys” was one of his most enduring legacies.

Over the course of his time in Texas, Don owned a successful home building business and worked for Fayette Memorial Hospital, Professional Transportation Inc., and the City of Fayetteville. He also served as the Stewart of Chapel Oaks for many years.

Don left an indelible mark on his community including a stint as the President of the La Grange Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer for the Knights of Columbus in Fayetteville. His volunteer efforts are too numerous to list, but notable among them is the founding role he played in the Texas MS150 Bikeathon in 1985, routing it directly through La Grange. The event has become the largest event of its kind in North America with 13,000 riders who raise $20 million every year to help fight MS.

Don leaves behind his beloved daughter, Tawnya Starr and son-in-law, Jay Wilkinson of Lincoln, Nebraska; nephews Joshua and Jordan Hrachovy of New Braunfels (“the boys”); Sisters Gladys Swoboda of Billings, Montana and Mary Solt of Bismark, South Dakota; Sisters-in-law, Stacy Ryza of La Grange and Jeanette Hrachovy of Brenham; Nephew, Kenny Ryza and wife Barb of Cameron; Nieces, Melissa Maxwell and Denise Henderson and husband Gil of La Grange; and several other nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Elsie Smith, brothers Joseph and James, and spouses Charlene Shook and Judy Codenys.

Don has been cremated and a rosary was held in La Grange on July 17, 2020.

Donations may be made in Don’s name for a modest memorial to be erected in Fayetteville, Texas. Checks should be made payable to Firespring Foundation and mailed to 1201 Infinity Court, Lincoln, NE 68512. Please write “in memory of Don Codenys” in the memo.

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