Donald Eskew

Donald “Snooky” Eskew, 84, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in the company of his children.

Snooky was born in 1939 in Mart, Texas, to Agnes and Cecil Eskew. He was a lifelong Wacoan and spent his career helping others commemorate significant events and memories as a talented engraver. In his retirement years, he became a small business owner through his ownership of the Corner Tavern. He met and married Dorothy Helen Maddox the day after her high school graduation. They were married for over 56 years and had four children. The bond of those children and their love for one another is their most precious legacy.

Snooky loved movies, sports, games, socializing with friends, and spending quality time with family as he grew older. He was an illustrious storyteller and the life of the party. He was also a faithful caregiver to his wife during the years of her failing health.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Cecil Eskew; his wife, Helen; and all of his siblings, Ralph “Son” Eskew, Wayburn “Babe” Eskew, Virginia “Sister” Magee, Mary Jane “Goonie” Manning, Charlotte Nannette Wiese, and Lynda Wilkins. He is survived by his children, Debbie Wilson, and husband, Elec “Wink”; Donald Eskew, and wife Debbie; David Eskew, and Carolyn Haferkamp and husband, Rusty; grandchildren, Jason Wilson, Donald Eskew, Jr. and Stacy, Jennifer Wilson, Jeff Eskew, Brittney Eskew, Emma Haferkamp and Kate Haferkamp; step-grandson, Cody King and wife, Joy; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Parker, Abby, and Paisley; and step-great-grandchildren Preston, Mason, Aiden, Brooks, and Aubrey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement during this difficult time. At his request, he will be remembered in a private, family service followed by internment at Oakwood Cemetery. If you are an old friend of Snooky’s and would like to pay your respects to the family, please reach out to Pecan Grove for details. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Community Healthcare of Texas - Providence Hospice, whose caring staff made it possible for him to spend his last hours at peace, surrounded by family.