Don R. McCullough, a fourth generation Texan born in Austin on August 4, 1939, peacefully passed away February 17 ^th after a short battle with AML Leukemia.  He attended Brykerwoods Elementary, University Jr. High, O. Henry Jr. High, and Austin High School.  He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Journalism degree majoring in Advertising.

At three stages of his life he benefitted from the guidance of three mentors:  Attorney Henry Brooks, Sr., who motivated and enabled him to become an Eagle Scout and be initiated in the Order of the Arrow; Dr. Ernest Sharpe, a professor at UT who guided him throughout his degree studies, internship, and American Association of Advertising Agencies trip to NYC; Attorney William J. Lawson, who counseled him throughout his career.  Each man deserves posthumous thanks and appreciation for their encouragement and advice.

Following graduation from high school in 1957, Don worked at the Texas Employment Commission operating a 1250 Multilith printing press to earn money for UT admissions.  Once he had saved enough to enroll, he transferred to part-time status on his job and began his freshman year at UT and continued until he earned his degree.  He served as a student advertising interne at the Houston Chronicle and set sales records on a Fine Arts Section before returning to UT for his senior year. He was a Colgate-Palmolive product sample distributor on campus and then became Publicity Director of the Austin Aqua Festival during his final semester.  He played a role in bringing ABC Wide World of Sports to Austin to video the Ski Boat Kite flying and jumping competitions, and the Formula One Auto races conducted on downtown streets surrounding the Auditorium.  After Aqua Festival duties were completed, he graduated from UT and took a job with Associated Enterprises performing Public Relations work managing several trade associations and editing a magazine called Western Trails.

While attending The University he meet his wife of 52 years, Sherrill Goodwin, who was also majoring in Advertising.   They dated his senior year and married the following September.  The loving relationship extended into a business partnership when they formed Association and Society Management, Inc. (ASMI) on Texas Independence Day in 1966.  Later, he was fortunate to become the father of two outstanding sons Matt and Mike.  He and Sherrill owned and successfully operated their business for 43 years before retiring and selling it to his brother, Joe.

During his business career, he was honored with numerous awards in his professional field.  He served as the President of the International Institute of Association Management Companies; earned his Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives, and was made a Distinguished Life Member of the Texas Society of Association Executives.

After retiring, Don and Sherrill moved to Heritage Oaks in Georgetown and made many new friends.  Upon appointment by Mayor Dale Ross, he served as Chairman of the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau .  He was actively involved with his community by serving as Chairman of the Communications Committee, organizer of the Distinguished Speaker series and annual HOA community July social.

An avid learner, Don continued his education with Senior University Georgetown and enjoyed researching Texas history.  His hobbies included woodcarving, golf, stain glass design, and Texas Barbeque.  He and his wife enjoyed travels to Scotland, South American, Australia, and New Zealand.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Lawrence and Mary Elizabeth Grien McCullough.  He is survived by his wife, Sherrill McCullough; son, Matt McCullough and wife Julie; grandchildren: Kristen and Zachary of Round Rock; son, Mike McCullough and wife Laura; grandchildren: Julia and Jake of Auburn, CA; brother, Joe McCullough and wife Leslie; niece, Ally and husband Blair Silverberg; nephew, Ty McCullough; sister, Wanda Page; and nephew, Larry Page.

A celebration of Don's life will be held Monday, February 20 ^th at 10:30 A.M. at the Heritage Oaks Clubhouse, 4611 Verde Vista, Georgetown, TX, followed by private service at the family cemetery in Garfield, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Don McCullough to the Boy Scouts of America, the Leukemia Research Foundation, or charity of your choice.

You may share a message or memory in the online memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.