27/08/2025
Donald Rouse
JULY 12, 1961 – AUGUST 24, 2025
Donald Jay Rouse, 64, of Tulia, Texas, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 24, 2025, from complications of pneumonia following chemotherapy. Don was diagnosed with lymphoma last spring and fought bravely throughout treatment, showing the same grit and humor that defined his life. He was born on July 12, 1961, in Borger, Texas, to James and Doris Rouse. The family eventually moved to nearby Amarillo, where he attended Stephen F. Austin Middle School and graduated from Tascosa High School in 1979. THS Rebels might remember Don’s love of baseball, theater, and journalism, but they certainly won’t forget his legendary pranks, which included filling the THS commons with tires; climbing the flagpoles on campus and replacing the flags with mannequin heads; and pilfering a bull figurine from a local steakhouse and placing its back side strategically in the window of the principal’s office. Don was a nut who knew how to have fun and made everyone around him laugh with his zest for living and crazy antics! Throughout his life, he wore many hats: painter (working alongside his father at Jack C. Thomas & Son in Amarillo as a young man), semi-pro baseball player, stand-up comic, actor, FX artist, cowboy, husband, and father. He appeared in and worked on special effects in movies (Wyatt Earp, FX in Dante’s Peak and Krippendorf’s Tribe) and television (Walker, Texas Ranger). His film and FX work earned him SAG and pyro cards. No matter where his adventures took him, Don always returned to his true calling as a cowboy. He was a gifted horse trainer, often called to break horses no one else could. He belonged in the saddle and was proud of the horses he shaped. He could turn steel into spurs, belt buckles, knives, and anything he could dream up. He also enjoyed writing cowboy poetry. Don met the love of his life, Brittany Baker, in 2004, and they married in 2005. They spent 20 years working side by side on ranches, throughout the seasons and in all types of weather. Over the years, there were tough challenges associated with the cowboy lifestyle; they tackled these together, bonded by their enduring love and a deep faith in Christ. They raised and homeschooled their children, Kourtnie and David, on the Conchas Ranch in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Don taught his kids how to ride, rope, and stir up fun! He considered his family his greatest accomplishment in life.
He is survived by Britt; his daughter, Kourtnie Fuchs, and husband Seth; his son, David; his mother, Doris Hrin and husband, Mike; his brother, Darren Rouse, and wife, Linda; his sisters, Stephanie Atkinson, Danette Chialtas and husband, Speed, and Denise Hulen and husband; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a pack of loyal dogs and horses who have been anxiously awaiting his arrival. Don was a fire hose of stories, a man who could turn hard work into adventure, and someone who always left people laughing. He was a cowboy, a craftsman, a poet, a prankster, and above all, a devoted husband, father, brother, and son.
Services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Central Church of Christ in Tulia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) Crisis Assistance Fund. And if you really want to celebrate Don, tell a goofy joke or wild story, play a choice prank, or find a reason for a gut-busting belly laugh this week. He’ll be so honored!
~ Wise words to ponder, written by our dear cowboy during his battle with cancer ~
WHO KNEW?
I wanted to be closer to the Lord but I wanted a plan that was easier to afford. Pretty sure I was willing to gain, just not a big fan of going through pain. The Book says to take joy in tribulation. There is no doubt, I’d go without if given a choice, with loud voice, I would avoid the situation. Who knew cancer was the answer that I needed to receive? It’s damn sure a good chance sir to believe. It may not come with ease because it’s a demonic disease, but it will help you find your knees. When faced with death you think about the past and the future breath that could sure be your last. I’ve had moments of peace which passeth understanding but touch and go is not a landing. I’ve also learned that I have lots of friends that are much better friends than me. I’m grateful that I’ve been prayed for, and that all my sins have been payed for. I’m protected. He was resurrected. How my deal ends up won’t effect it. There’s comfort in knowing where I’m going. I’ll be the winner, because Jesus died for this sinner.
by Don Rouse
