Donald Ray "Pete" Womble

Donald Ray “Pete” Womble, of Springtown, Texas, born on September 7, 1950, in Dallas, Texas passed away surround by his family at the age of 76 on September 13, 2026.

You’re probably wondering how he got the name Pete? Well, in elementary school he decided that was what his name would be and anyone that didn’t like it would get a fat lip. It stuck.

To know Pete was to know a man with a big personality, a quick sense of humor, and a heart that loved his family deeply. He could make you laugh, he was always a little bit of a flirt, and he could certainly be stubborn when he had his mind made up. But underneath it all was a loving, devoted man who cherished the people he called family.

Pete and Debbie met when he decided to fake that he was drowning in a pool where Debbie was lifeguarding. She didn’t immediately ‘save’ Pete, but when she did that’s when their great love story began. She 15 and Pete 16 and they continued to be high school sweetheart and best friends. Three years after they met, they married on August 14, 1971, at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Irving, Texas. They shared 55 years of marriage, raising a family, making memories, laughing, loving, and standing beside one another through all that life brought their way.

Pete was a proud father to his daughter, Melissa Lockwood, and husband, Rusty Lockwood, of Poolville, and his son, Michael Womble, of Keller. He was a loving Pepaw to Breanna Roop and her husband Chase Roop, Taylor Renee Lockwood and a great-grandfather to Remi Roop and Bowen Roop. He adored his granddaughters and had a particularly special bond with his great-granddaughter, Remi. Although he did not have the opportunity to know little Bowen, Bowen will forever be part of the family Pete loved so much.

Pete was a hands-on dad who loved being a coach and a cheerleader for his children. He coached Michael’s baseball teams from Little League through junior high and helped coach soccer for both Melissa and Michael when they were little. Soccer wasn’t exactly Pete’s specialty, but that never stopped him from getting out there and helping. He was always willing to learn, help, and, most importantly, be there for his kids. He spent countless days watching Melissa and Michael play soccer, football, baseball, softball, volleyball and cheerleading—through the Texas heat, the cold, and everything in between.

That same devotion continued with his granddaughters. Pete loved watching Breanna and Taylor play soccer, from the time they were just four or five years old all the way through their college years. He followed their games, cheered them on, and took pride in watching them grow into the young women they became. And that pride continued as they pursued careers in law enforcement.

Pete retired from Lehigh Hansen Company, in Irving, Texas, after working there for 43 years. His long career was a reflection of the hard work and dedication that were such a big part of who he was.

He also proudly served in the Navy Reserve during the Vietnam era from 1971 until February 1977.

Outside of work and family, Pete loved the outdoors. He was a Boy Scout leader and especially enjoyed camping at Possum Kingdom Lake. When his children were old enough, Pete loved taking them dove hunting. There was always a little humor involved, because after Pete brought down a bird, the kids had the important job of “fetching” the bird. Those simple outings became special family memories that his children would carry with them. He was also an avid fisherman. He absolutely loved to fish. He was known to cut college classes to go fishing.

As the years went by, Pete especially enjoyed deer hunting with his son. For him, it wasn’t really about the hunt—it was about spending time together in the deer blind, sitting side by side, talking, enjoying the quiet, and simply being together.

One of Pete’s favorite times of the year was getting together with his high school friends for a week of fishing and playing golf. Those times created cherished memories for dad and his buddies and gave them the opportunity to laugh, tell stories, remember old times, and relive those high school years with the friends who had known him for so long. He loved each one of them immensely.

But perhaps the greatest thing Pete leaves behind is not a career, a hobby, or an accomplishment. It is the memories. Great times that may have seemed ordinary at the time, but they were Pete’s way of saying “I love you” without having to say the words.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Womble, of Springtown; his daughter, Melissa Lockwood, and her husband, Rusty Lockwood, of Poolville; his son, Michael Womble, of Keller; his granddaughter, Breanna Roop and her husband, Chase Roop, and granddaughter, Taylor Lockwood; his great-grandchildren, Remi and Bowen Roop; and his brothers, Clif and wife Laurie Womble of Quitman, Texas, and David and wife Karen Womble of Little Hope, Texas. Also, sister in-law Carol Johnson and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jo and Ed Womble, as well as many beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pete’s family will remember him for his humor, his stubbornness, his love of the outdoors, his lifelong friendships, and, most of all, for the love he gave them.

For 55 years, Pete and Debbie walked through life side by side. That love does not end with goodbye.

He will be missed more than words can say and loved for the rest of their lives.

Celebration of Life: 10 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Woods United Methodist Church 1350 Bardin Rd Grand Prairie, TX. 75052

A luncheon served following service at the church

Following the luncheon, there will be a formal procession to Azleland Memorial Park Cemetery 850 N Cardinal Rd Azle, TX 76020