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Donald William Scott of San Antonio, TX, passed away May 5, 2026, at a San Antonio hospital. He was born to Joseph and Mary Sue Scott on December 19, 1943, in Washington, D.C. and spent his childhood in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio, Texas. As a teenager, his family moved to Irving, Texas, where he graduated from Irving High School. He was always a music lover and participated in his high school band as a drummer and drum major. After high school, Don received a music scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He was very proud to have been a member of the SMU Mustang Band. Don began his military career in May 1967, through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program. He was commissioned an ensign, United States Naval Reserve, in August 1967, and was designated a Naval Aviator on December 18, 1968. Don received orders to fighter aircraft and served in the Vietnam War. He had flight experience in F8, F4, F14 and A-4 aircraft. Gunfighter, his call sign when flying and the name his Navy friends used to address him, experienced many interesting and rewarding career assignments and locations. He served as Commanding Officer of Training Squadron 25, before being assigned to the USS Carl Vinson. The ship's first cruise was around the world, from Virginia to California. One of the highlights of his Navy career was serving as Air Boss on that carrier. Another favorite assignment was on the staff of Commander in Chief Pacific in Hawaii. After retirement from his 26-year Navy career, he worked as a consultant to local businesses and the Department of Defense. Don was a long-time member of the Seekers class of the University Methodist Church. The friends he made there meant a great deal to him. Don was always happiest in the company of his children, grandchildren and friends. He enjoyed reading, especially about military history, working with his trains in company with his grandson, and spending time with his family and friends over good food and conversation. Don married Sonja Herring on February 19, 1974. He is survived by his wife; son Lance (Edan) of Dallas, Texas; son Alan (Alison) of San Antonio, Texas; son Ashlin (Karina) of San Antonio, Texas; grandsons Aiden and Alessi and step grandson Brennan Wyckoff all of San Antonio. He is also survived by his sister, Joanna (James) Sibley of Spring, Texas; and niece, Ali Sibley of Houston, Texas, as well as many friends and other relatives. Don will be cremated and his ashes interred in the Pacific Ocean, where he spent many flight hours. A memorial service will be held in San Antonio at a later date.

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Donald William Scott

December 19, 1943 - May 5, 2026