Donald William Maas, age 90, passed away October 11, 2017 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Earl and Marie Maas on August 26, 1927. Don attended Immaculate Conception Church and School. He graduated from Holy Family High School in 1944 at the age of 16. He played on the football team from 1941-1943. In 1943, they went undefeated. During his senior year, he also played on the basketball team. In the 10th grade, he told the nun he wanted to get in front of his class and say something. He proceeded to recite the Gettysburg Address by memory. While in high school, he also delivered the early morning newspaper with his dad for the Tulsa World.

In 1944 as a freshman at the University of Tulsa, he made the football team and that year, the team played in the Orange Bowl where Tulsa beat Georgia Tech 26-12. While attending college, he also took flying lessons and obtained his pilot's license. Don and one of his childhood friends, Gene (Unk) O'Brien purchased a speed boat where they competed in races.

Don enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 near the end of World War II. He was assigned to the battleship USS Iowa as a signalman where he traveled across the Pacific to Japan. Upon returning to the states, Don enrolled at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas for one semester before returning to the University of Tulsa and receiving his business degree in marketing.

In 1955, the day after his 28th birthday, he married Carolyn Marie Durham at Immaculate Conception Church in Tulsa. Early in their marriage, Don returned to the University of Tulsa to obtain his law degree. At that time, he was employed in the Traffic Dept at Warren Petroleum. He was an active member of the Tulsa Transportation Association. When Warren Petroleum was later purchased by Gulf Oil, Don accepted a transfer to Houston, Texas in 1969. Along with Carol and their 6 children, they made the move. In 1973, they had their number 7 child, completing their family.

Don retired as the General Traffic Manager at Gulf Oil after serving the company for 37 years. After a few years of retirement, he decided he wanted to go back to work and found employment as the Traffic Manager for Westlake Polymer.

Don spent most of his free time coaching or attending ball games, going to recitals and Boy Scout meetings for his 7 children. Later he would attend the same events for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed going to the lake, boating and an occasional round of golf.

After 60 years of marriage, his wife and best friend Carol went to heaven on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday.

The Catholic Church has always been an important part of Don's life. As a young boy, he served as an altar boy. In his 20's, he spent some time at a monastery in Kentucky contemplating whether to enter the priesthood. He served on many committees, was active in the Knights of Columbus and served as a lector at mass at both Holy Family and St. Catherine of Siena in Houston.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn and grandson, Ryan. He is survived by his sister, JoAnn Spitsen and his children: Joe and his wife Debbie, Andy and his wife Debbie, Larry and his wife Debbie, John and his wife Mary, Teresa Cardin and her husband Loren, Bob and his wife Deanna, and Steve and his wife Kristie. His grandchildren also survive him: Brandon, Ashley and Courtney, Tiffani, Kristi, Kimberly and Jeff, Jessica and Marissa, Michelle and Jennifer, Ally and Will, Garrett, and Madelynn, Kaitlynn, Steven Jr., and Emmalynn. Seventeen great grandchildren also survive him.

Don will be laid to rest next to his wife at Calvary Cemetery in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities Mission Advancement Office.

Funeral Mass will be 10 am on Friday, October 20, 2017, at Holy Family Cathedral, 8th and Boulder Avenue, Tulsa.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151