Dee Jay Garvin

Dee Jay Garvin, 87 of Eldorado, Texas was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, September 21, 2026.

He was born to Homer and Nova Garvin in San Angelo, Texas on December 28, 1938.

Dee Jay spent much of his childhood in Edith, Texas. They moved often as his dad worked in construction, but home was always known as the Garvin farm outside of Eldorado. After graduation he worked for the Lum Davis service station. Dee Jay married Laverne Nichols and to this union was born one son Douglas James Garvin. Dee Jay's wife Laverne sadly died of colon cancer in 1975.

Dee Jay worked for Halliburton Services for 30 years, beginning in 1965 until his retirement in 1995.

He started at an entry level position, and then also drove trucks, and was a safety director teaching other young drivers to maneuver 18 wheelers safely. He worked his way up to being a field man, and then became a supervisor over the bulk plant of materials -where they loaded the trucks to be sent to various job site locations. At Halliburton he made many close and lasting friendships that he enjoyed for years.

Donna and Dee Jay married May 6, 1978 at the farm in Eldorado, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years Donna Garvin, and daughter-in-law Veronica Garvin of Eldorado. Texas. Also by his brother Jim Garvin and sister- in-law Elaine Garvin of Godley, Texas. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins that dearly loved him.

Dee Jay was preceded in death by Laverne Garvin, stepson Royce Hite and recently by his beloved son Doug Garvin. Also by brothers Edmond “Eddie” Garvin of Blackwell, Texas and Henson Garvin of Coleman, Texas.

After his retirement he really enjoyed helping his son Doug by delivering deer blinds all over the United States and even to Alberta, Canada. Dee Jay and Donna enjoyed the many years of seeing the country and picking up supplies and or making deliveries to unique locations across the nation.

Some of his other favorite travel memories included Ouray, Colorado, and Alaskan fishing trips. His best lifetime memories were taking friends and family to his fishing lease down on the Pecos River. He and his family loved this special get away for over 30 years.

Dee Jay will always be fondly remembered for his planning and coordinating of large Garvin family reunions and his expert barbecue cooking skills. He truly relished the time spent with family and is credited with starting the Garvin family reunion tradition.

Dee Jay was a hard working man who enjoyed his family farm. He loved to farm and work the land along side his son. They ran sheep and goats together and always enjoyed any time spent together.

Dee Jay loved country music, he had a knack for knowing artists names and song titles — and could be considered a walking encyclopedia of country music knowledge. Some of his favorite artists were Hank Williams, George Jones and Connie Smith. Seeing country stars in concert was one of Dee Jay’s other favorite pastimes.

Our family would like to express our deep appreciation to Dr. William Griffin, and Dee Jay’s PCP Sonia Castro and the kind nursing staff at the LMH Hospital in Sonora for the loving care given to Dee Jay in his final days.

Dee Jay’s open viewing will be held Wednesday, September 22 at 12 noon to 7:00 pm at the Harper Welch Funeral Home at 210 W. Gillis Avenue, Eldorado, Texas. The funeral, or ….as Dee Jay always referred to it as his “Going Away Party”, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Agape Assembly of God Church at 500 E. Warner Avenue in Eldorado, Texas with burial and graveside services to follow at the Schleicher County Cemetery.

Pall bearers will be Dick Mocksfield, Richard Gibson, Ricky Gibson, Victor Castro, Zeke Robles, and Larry Horwood. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that any memorials be made to Agape Assembly of God, P.O. Box 953 Eldorado, Texas 76936-0953.