Donald Henry "Duck" Wishert

Donald Henry “Duck” Wishert was born in Gillett, Texas, the youngest of five children, to Finis Ewing “Doc” Wishert and Bessie Aria Wishert on April 27, 1935 and died at the age of 87 on February 22, 2023.  He attended Gonzales High School and left school at the age of 15 to work for the County of Karnes County.  He was a heavy equipment operator by trade having begun his career with Howard Stulting Bulldozers in Karnes City and retiring from Hanson Ranches in Nordheim.  He was a loyal friend and co-worker and was respected by many as one of the best operators in the business.      

He loved to work and in his spare time enjoyed bird hunting and deer hunting. He often told stories of hunting squirrels as a boy along the Ecleto Creek in Gillett and coons as a young man with his coon hounds. After moving to Yorktown in the 1980s he always had a large vegetable garden notable for producing bushels of corn and potatoes and enjoyed raising a few head of cattle. In his later years he still spent as much time as he could outdoors mowing grass and splitting wood. He loved his fireplace and “South Texas TV” as he called outdoor fire pits.

“Papa Duck” was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather and looked forward to visits from his family. He especially enjoyed hosting a large family Easter celebration every year for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents and four siblings, Goldie Evelyn Radicke, Katherine Mae Barnhill, Vernon Ewing Wishert and Clyde Hamilton Wishert.

He is survived by his children, Judith Lynn Mazak, Rochelle Suzanne Malone (Charles) and Stewart Henry Wishert (Jamie); five grandchildren, Lauren Nicole Fluitt (Lennox), Whitney Taylor Metting (Brad), Lawrence Emitt Fluitt III, Faith LeAnn Martinez (Manuel) and Colton Blake Wishert; and six great grandchildren, Seely Grace Metting, Brody Wayne Metting, Harper Elizabeth Metting, Lennox Lawson Marshall, Brooklyn Reney Wishert and Kayden Ray Wishert.

Pallbearers will be Charles Malone, Brad Metting, Marvin Barnhill, Joe Wishert, Steve Wishert, Paul Radicke and Curt Allen.

Memorials may be given to donor’s choice.

Funeral service 2 pm Monday, February 27, 2023 at Massey Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Gillett Cemetery in Gillett, Texas.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas .361-564-2900.

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