Donald Creamer Obituary

Donald Robert Creamer
01/24/1952 - 06/25/2025
Don Creamer passed away on June 25, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Don was born on January 24, 1952, in Camden, New Jersey to Bob and Beth Creamer. He grew up in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Perhaps because he was the son of an engineer, Don naturally had an interest in how things worked. He would take apart electronics and put them back together. Don enjoyed his shortwave radio and had a collection of postcards he received from people he had connected with around the world. Don attended Haddon Heights High School and was a member of the varsity basketball and golf teams. During his senior year, his basketball team won the New Jersey state championship.

Don attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was a member of the honors college and played basketball. He enjoyed attending football games and cheering on the Crimson Tide under Coach Bear Bryant. Don graduated from the University of Alabama in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mineral engineering.

After graduation, Don accepted a job as a petroleum engineer with Cities Service in Midland, Texas. He went on to work at Monsanto and Saxon Oil. Don eventually started his own petroleum engineering consulting business. Don worked as a petroleum engineer in the Permian Basin for more than 50 years. He always had his trusted scientific calculator by his side. Don was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers, and the West Texas Geological Society. He was a licensed professional engineer.

Don met his loving wife, Ann Dean, in Midland, and they were married in 1979. They had two daughters, Alyson and Shannon. Ann and Don made great memories attending San Antonio Spurs games and watched the team win several NBA championships. They took trips across the country and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Don was a fun and supportive dad to his daughters. Some of their favorite memories together include going to the golf course, summer vacations, Saturday lunches, playing basketball in the driveway, going to the beach, playing tennis, looking at Christmas lights, and late-night walks around the neighborhood. He would surprise them with concert tickets and spontaneous trips to see their favorite bands.

Don participated in many activities, including tennis, skiing, and basketball, but his favorite sport was golf. Don loved playing golf and was a fan of the sport. He attended the U.S. Open Golf Championship each year and enjoyed playing golf at courses throughout the United States. Instead of using a golf cart, he would carry his clubs for extra exercise.

Don had a lifelong love of learning and was knowledgeable about many different things, including astronomy, geography, geology, trees, and the weather. He enjoyed thunderstorms and stargazing with his telescopes. He took road trips and visited dozens of national parks. Don played the guitar, organ, and piano. He volunteered and supported many local organizations. Don was a great athlete, worked as a basketball referee, and even ran a marathon. He competed in local basketball tournaments, and in one competition, he made more than 100 consecutive free throws and 30 consecutive 3-pointers. Despite living in Texas for most of his life, he never forgot where he came from and loved the Philadelphia Phillies and Tastykakes.

Don was a proud and loving grandfather to three grandchildren. He spent hours playing games, going on nature walks, and reading with them. He was a caring uncle and loyal friend. He treasured the friendships he made throughout the years.

Don is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Creamer; daughters, Alyson Creamer McLane (Matt) and Shannon Campbell (Tim); grandchildren, Thomas, Annabelle, and William Campbell; sister, Jane Sullivan; sisters-in-law, Amy Robnett (Steve) and Nancy Dean; and nieces and nephews.

Don will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and easygoing nature.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. There will be a private family burial. Donations in Don's memory may be made to his father's scholarship, the Robert H. Creamer Student Award Fund, c/o Temple University Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 2890, New York, NY 10116-2890, or to First Presbyterian Church of Midland.