Roll Call Tribute

Don Wayne Cryer 

October 11, 1940 - September 23, 2025 

Don Wayne Cryer of Frisco, Texas, was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly father on September 23, 2025, at the age of 84.

He was born on October 11, 1940, in Meadow, Texas, to J.W. Cryer and Eula Belle (Justiss) Cryer. Don grew up with strong values of family, faith, and hard work that guided him throughout his life.

He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1972. His commitment to education and professional growth led him to pursue higher learning at Odessa Junior College, the United States Air Force Academy, and later, a master's degree from Texas A&M University.

Don married the love of his life, Bertha Joy Davisson, on June 27, 1964, in Odessa, Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished family memories. On August 3, 2024, in a small ceremony with family and friends, Don and Joy renewed their vows as a testament to their lasting love for one another. In his final moments on earth, Joy was by his side. She was able to tell him she loved him one last time before he took his final breath.

Don had an extensive and accomplished career with Bechtel Engineering Company, Kellogg Engineering, and Austin Engineering. He had a lifelong curiosity and love for history. Don enjoyed working with his hands and had a gift for fixing things, whether around the house or in the garage; he could always bring things back to life. He could make an old spatula into a perfect windshield wiper. There was nothing Don couldn't do once he set his mind to it. Above all, Don loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted father and "Pawpaw" to his seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Don was always there for his grandkids, and over the years, he attended every basketball, baseball, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball game he could. He was a longtime member of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where his faith remained at the center of his life.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. But most of all, Don will be remembered as a man of great faith. He never hesitated to credit everything good in his life to the grace of God and the power of prayer. His warm heart and steady presence will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bertha Joy Cryer of Frisco, Texas; daughter, Molly Ann (Cryer) Allen and her husband, Donald Wayne Allen of McKinney, Texas; son, Edward Allen Cryer and his wife, Erin Leigh (Masters) Cryer of Carrollton, Texas; grandchildren, Mitchell Wayne Allen and wife, Abigail (Greene) Allen, Marshall Donald Allen and wife, Johanna Kay (Hein) Allen, Mariel (Allen) Llewellyn and husband, Blake Charles Llewellyn, Micksell "Mickey" David Allen and fiancée, Ava Caroline Oliver, Maxwell "Max" Davis Allen, Anna Joy Cryer, and Ezra Paul Cryer; great-grandchildren, Jude Wayne Allen and Lars Quincy Allen; and a host of other loving family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Eula Belle Cryer; sister, Judy Wanelle Cryer Wellman and her husband, Gene Wellman; and brothers, Jimmy Woodrow Cryer and Robbie Lynn Cryer.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.