Donal Jewel " Don " Carter
April 9, 1933 - April 20, 2026

Donal Jewel Carter, beloved family patriarch, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 20, 2026, at the age of 93, in Coppell, Texas. Don grew up in Hunt County but made his home in Irving for over 60 years. Don lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, and enduring love for God, for family, and for music. He was deeply respected by all who knew him and leaves behind a legacy woven through both his family and the history of country music.

Don was born on April 9, 1933, in the White Rock community of Hunt County, Texas, to Elmer Jewel Carter and Jessie Lillian Jacobs Carter. He later gained a devoted bonus father, James Madison Feagin. Raised as a sharecropper's son, Don spent his early years picking cotton and writing songs in the fields, seeds of a lifelong calling. A perceptive teacher recognized his gift for songwriting and encouraged him, setting him on a path that would shape his life.

Don partnered creatively with his uncle, Dub Nalls, forming a team in which Don wrote the songs and Dub handled the business. He graduated from Celeste High School in 1950 and was later drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served two years stationed in Germany. While in the Army, Don played slap rhythm in the band, and during that time learned that the first song he had written, ''Lonesome River,'' had been recorded by Elton Britt, an unforgettable moment that affirmed his calling.

After returning home, Don worked as a house painter before beginning a 30-year career with Affiliated Foods in Dallas. He eventually concluded his professional working life with ten years in the insurance industry. Though his career outside music was steady and honorable, songwriting was always his heart's work.

Don began performing at the Reilly Springs Jamboree, which led to appearances on the Louisiana Hayride. It was at Reilly Springs that he met Mary Beth Asbill. They were married in 1959 and welcomed two children, Terry and Shanna, during their 25-year union. Although they later divorced, they shared a friendship that endured for more than 70 years.

Though Don never relocated to Nashville, he visited often and enjoyed a remarkably successful songwriting career. He wrote rockabilly classics such as ''Rockin' Bones,'' recorded by Ronnie Dawson, and ''B I Bickey Bi Bo Bo Go,'' recorded by Gene Vincent. During the 1960s, his country career flourished with a string of hits, including the three million selling ''How Can I Write on Paper (What I Feel in My Heart),'' recorded by Jim Reeves and earning Don a platinum record.

Other notable compositions included ''Poor Little Rich Boy'' by George Jones; ''Too Used to Being with You,'' recorded by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens, as well as Bobby Bare and Skeeter Davis; ''Footsteps of a Fool'' by Judy Lynn; and ''Don't Tell Me Your Troubles'' by The Browns. Two of his songs were featured on the George Jones and the Jones Boys album, My Boys The Jones Boys, recorded by Charlie Carter and James Hollie. During this period, Don was named one of Billboard Magazine's Top Country Writers of the Year. He was also featured as both a songwriter and vocalist on Gene Vincent Cut Our Songs: Primitive Texas Rockabilly & Honky Tonk.

Even in his later years, Don's music continued to reach new audiences. Daniel O'Donnell recorded ''How Can I Write on Paper (What I Feel in My Heart).'' ''Rockin' Bones'' was released by Boxcar Willie and The Cramps, and Ronnie Dawson's version was featured on the HBO television series True Blood. In the last year of his life, Don had two new releases: ''Calm Before the Storm,'' recorded by Justin Trevino, and another release of ''Rockin' Bones'' by The Reverend Horton Heat. Other artists who recorded his songs include Ray Price, Wilma Burgess, Kay Adams, George Riddle, and Gordon Terry. During his final trip to Nashville, Don was recognized on the Grand Ole Opry stage at the Ryman Auditorium for his significant contributions to country music.

Beyond music, Don enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid mall walker for many years and continued ''walking his mile'' around River Oaks Assisted Living up until the day before his passing. In earlier years, he loved swimming at the natatorium, spending time at the lake, watching movies with his family, keeping up with the news, and attending country music shows to listen and pitch his songs. He cherished long visits over a shared Coca Cola, engaging in spirited discussions about music and current events.

Don is survived by his son, Terry Carter and wife Lucy of Emory; daughter, Shanna Vice and husband Ron of Greenville; brothers, Charlie Carter of Mesquite and Jimmy Feagin and wife Peggy of Whitesboro; grandchildren John Carter and wife Melissa of Rhome, Erin Caldwell and husband Tim of Weatherford, Raymond Carter and wife Rosalinda of Fort Worth, Rosanna Carter of Emory and fiancé Jerry Giesler of Cumby, Gable Irons of Greenville, and Jeff Liles of Greenville; great-grandchildren Peyton Carter and husband John Maynard of Whitney, Lora Carter of Rhome, Chloie Carter of Sulphur Springs, Atticus Carter of Rhome, and James Caldwell of Weatherford; great-great grandchildren Jack Maynard and Freya Maynard of Whitney; and a host of other cherished family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lonnie Carter; sister, Patsy Carter; and niece Tammy Fletcher.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home, with Raymond Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Ron Vice, John Carter, Raymond Carter, Jeff Liles, Tim Caldwell, and Jerry Giesler.

''Well done, good and faithful servant.''- Matthew 25:23

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