Donald (Don) Lee Aldridge

In Loving Memory
Donald Lee Aldridge (Don)
 
October 10, 1947 - March 20, 2023

Donald Lee Aldridge (Don), Age 75 of Bedford, TX passed away peacefully in the presence of family and friends on March 20, 2023 to be with his Lord & Savior. Don was born to Bessie Ruth Tatum Aldridge and Earl Glenn Aldridge in Gainesville, Texas. Throughout his life, he lived in many states, but he moved back to Texas eleven years ago to be near his sister and brother-in-law. 
Don was predeceased by his parents and his only two brothers, Earl Aldridge, and Gary Aldridge.

Don is survived by:
- Cathy Chance Aldridge, Wife of 11 years.
- His only sister: Elaine Aldridge Head and her husband Dennis Head
- His sons: Bryan Aldridge, Daniel Aldridge, Donald Ledingham
- His Daughters: Denise Aldridge Crappell and her husband David Crappell, and MacKenzie Curry Aldridge.
- Extended Family: Six grandchildren, two nephews, nine nieces; cousins, and three step-children, Cherish Figueiredo Arnold, Chad Figueiredo, and Cherilyn Figueiredo.

Don's Education:
He received his Doctorate in Theology written on sheep skin for his work amongst the churches in Mexico where he taught and ministered frequently.

Don's childhood: 
Raised in a military family along with his three siblings. They moved around frequently as a result of their father's military assignments. As a result, Don changed schools many times growing up. He and the family lived in Germany for three years, then Amarillo, Dallas, Florida, Arizona as well as other places. Don adapted to new places and made friends easily. He had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed people. He carried a spirit of JOY that touched people! He was a runner, very intelligent, and health minded. He was rarely ill in his entire lifetime. He loved to please others, making them happy. 

Don and his brother Gary were only 11 months apart in age and were more like twins. They were not easily separated in life until Gary's passing in 2009. Don and Gary were both very neat and organized with their clothes, and in all their projects of building model cars, model planes and later real cars. They were creative and loved working together as children.

Don married right after high school to a very cute, salt of the earth girl who lived across the street. In the first two years of marriage, they had one child, Bryan. Don and his young bride incurred a huge hospital bill after getting sepsis during her 30-day hospital stay. This created a huge mountain of debt for a very young family. Don had just lost his dad and felt overwhelmed by the mountain of debt. Consequently, circumstances caused them to move to find work. Times were hard and they couldn't stand. Later, they were divorced, but remained good friends. 

Work took Don to Houston where he met Mona Clayton, a co-worker. They were soon married. He worked hard, founded his own printing and color-separation business and became quite successful. 
He attended John Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston. Don was an 'on-fire' young man, telling everyone about the merits of the Gospel and the importance of receiving Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior. Don sat under Pastor John Osteen's ministry for a number of years. John discerned Don was a faithful man of God and ordained him for the work of ministry. Don was so honored and was so excited, he told his story to everyone. At the right time, Don sold the business using the funds to start a ministry, and moved his family to Austin. He accepted the call to pastor New Life Church. His family helped with all aspects of his ministry work. 

Later, Don founded Church on the Move, Austin, TX. One of his great mentors and friends was Jerry Saville who preached at Don's church regularly. Don loved Jerry, his faith teaching, and his work in Africa. Don did a lot of mission/evangelistic work in Mexico amongst the pastors in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He took teams to Mexico to help grow the churches there. He made many friends everywhere he went. Regretfully, Don left that work for personal reasons, and left very disappointed. And sadly, Mona passed in 1999. 

In time, Don's journey brought him to Dallas where he met Cathy Figueiredo at his sister & brother-in-law's "Church at Turtle Creek" event "Women at the Well Conference", and their story began. They struck up a friendship and married a few months later - staying together for 11 years up to his passing to be with his Lord.

Don's greatest passion was the Word of the Lord, and the work of the Lord. He had a very personal encounter with Jesus in his 20's when Jesus came to him in a bright light, delivering him from a lifestyle that included drugs. He was instantly set free with no relapses and was called into ministry. He fell in love with Jesus and never turned back! Not a perfect man, but his love for Jesus was astounding, and he no doubt knew Him intimately. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Don's memory to the funeral home's address to the attention of Cathy Aldridge.