Roll Call Tribute

Donald Edward "Don" Napp 

December 22, 1928 - June 13, 2025 

Donald Edward Napp of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in his home with Nelda Sue, his wife of 74 years, by his side.

Donald was born December 22, 1928, in Alton, Illinois, but moved to Texas with his parents Edward Frank Napp and Ruby Ann Winters Napp the next year. He grew up in Pasadena, Texas, attended Pasadena High School, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1951. After serving in Korea as an Army pilot, he returned to Aggieland to complete a Masters in Geology. As a geologist, Donald worked for Gulf and Sinclair, then retired after 23 years with Tenneco. With his wife Nelda Sue Hardie Napp, he lived and travelled throughout the United States, South America, and Europe.

His favorite toy was his 73 Cessna Skyhawk. He was an active member of the QB Society, the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, the Korean War Veterans, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, First Degree Mason, and the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Nelda Sue Hardie, his children Susan Napp Willis, Edward Hardie Napp, and David Alan Napp, their spouses Charles Perry Willis, Jr. and Rose Napp, and longtime friend Pat Nichol, five grandchildren Charles Perry Willis III, Sarah Willis Cady, Zachary Willis, Nicole Napp Bordelon, and Amanda Napp, and nine great grandchildren.

Services are planned for June 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Klein United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas A&M Alumni Scholarship Fund in his name.