Don Koenning made his heavenly presence known on March 25, 2018 in Abilene, Texas at the age of 59. He was the husband of Dawn Koenning, joined in matrimony in October 1993. Don was born on August 25, 1958 in Plainview, Texas to Elmer and Eva Mae Koenning. Literally grown from the fields of west Texas, he sojourned his way through the panhandle as a farmer, cattleman, and truck driver. He was a man of great work ethic and unsurpassed utility. He took fashion cues from nobody. Don could often be seen in ostrich boots, wranglers, a sleeveless brush-popper, his beloved cowboy hat, and a holster carrying his tool of choice…a pair of pliers. But after all of the miles were traveled, and when the work was done, his heart was always at home with his family. Known as “Papa,” he was endeared by all who were close to him. He was a man of incredible kindness, an eagerness to help, a jovial humor, and a winsome smile. Papa had a deep love and devotion to his family, which will forever be his legacy. Most importantly, Don had a genuine love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he always wanted to meet and now has. Those left here to celebrate his life are his mother, Eva Mae Koenning of Plainview, TX; his brother Michael and Kipa Koenning of Plainview, TX; niece Lesha Koenning of Houston, TX and nephew Jarret Koenning of Addison, TX; nephew Kody Koenning of Amarillo, TX; his wife, Dawn Koenning of Abilene, TX; his children, Jason Spake of Abilene, TX, Josh and Candice Spake of Hattiesburg, MS, Jeff and Dawn Allmand of Clyde, TX, Dustin and Tammy Koenning of Garden Ridge, TX, Rick and Sarah Hargrave of Abilene, TX, and John and Rachel Cargile of Abilene, TX; and 16 grandchildren who absolutely adored their Papa. He is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Koenning and his brother, David Koenning. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2018 at Kornerstone in Plainview, Texas. Jeff Allmand and Joshua Spake will officiate the ceremony. Following the memorial service, the family invites all to attend a reception celebrating Don’s life at St. Paul Lutheran Fellowship Hall at 905 Oakland St in Plainview, TX.