Donald Arthur Sweeney

Donald Arthur Sweeney, 77, passed away June 17, 2022

Don was born July 2, 1944 to John and Doris Sweeney. After graduating Comfort High School in 1962, he attended Texas A&M University and graduated with three degrees; a Bachelors, a Masters, and a Doctorate. Don married Ruth Ann Wiley on September 2, 1966 and they reared two children, Elizabeth and Samuel.  He continued at A&M for the next 40 years, serving as a professor and as Interim Dean in the College of Architecture, retiring on August 31, 2011. Don also served his country for two years including one year in South Korea.

Don was the recipient of numerous awards from the University and for community involvement: 1969 Charter member of the Association of Former Singing Cadets, 1969 Graduate of Dale Carnegie Course, 1985-87 Interim Dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, 1989 Honorary Citizen of the City of Temple, Texas, 2001 Camp Sweeney, fish camp, Texas A&M University, 2003-04 Excellence in Teaching Award, and 2008-2013 Elder at A&M Church of Christ.  He was a gentle giant, loved by his students. He was a great listener and on any given day, you could find him counseling a down-trodden Aggie who had lost his/her way.

Don accomplished much in his 77 years of life, but by far his greatest accomplishment was asking Jesus into his life and walking with God as he served his family, students, friends, and community. Because of his acceptance of Jesus, his family has the assurance of seeing him again in Heaven!

Don is reunited in Heaven with his parents, John and Doris (McCreless) Sweeney.

Don is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Wiley) Sweeney; his children, Bobbie Jayne Spencer, Elizabeth (Sweeney) Collins, and Samuel Woodroof Sweeney; his grandchildren, Diana (Spencer) Nelson, Lori Spencer, Noah Collins, Trevor Sweeney, and Tara Sweeney; his brothers, John Sweeney and Zachary Sweeney; his sisters, Ellen (Sweeney) Collie, and Sherry (Sweeney) Dreyling; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends their sincere thanks for the special care given by Scott and White Hospital and Hospice in Waco, Texas.