Donald Ray Kasper

Donald Ray Kasper, 83, of Three Rivers, Texas, passed away on November 6, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loved ones, while resting on his favorite couch.

Born on January 9, 1943, Donny lived a life centered around the things he loved most — his family, his friends, and the communities that meant so much to him. He never met a stranger, loved visiting with people, and always had a story to tell. If you knew Donny, chances are you heard a story or two — and if you knew him well, you probably heard the same one more than once! But that was part of his charm. He loved people, and he loved sharing his life and experiences with them.

Donny graduated from Cuero High School in 1961 and went on to earn his degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville in 1965. After teaching for two years in Taft, Texas, he then dedicated 47 years of his life to Three Rivers ISD, beginning his career as an Agriculture Teacher before serving as Junior High Principal, High School Principal, and ultimately Business Manager. Throughout those years, he developed lasting friendships and touched the lives of countless students, teachers, and families. His love for the Three Rivers and Ray Point communities ran deep, and he was a proud supporter of the Three Rivers Bulldogs, La Vernia Bears, and Cuero Gobblers. For many years, Donny could also be found under the Friday night lights, serving as a spotter for the Three Rivers Bulldogs football team — another way he stayed connected to the school and community he loved.

Donny's commitment to his community extended far beyond his career in education. He was actively involved in the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO), San Patricio Teachers Credit Union, Three Rivers Young Farmers, Three Rivers Lions Club, and the Live Oak County Fair. He was also one of the original founders and a dedicated member of the Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association (LOBBA), where he served as Secretary/Treasurer and played an active role in the organization's annual sales. Through LOBBA, he organized a buyers' syndicate to purchase animals and support young exhibitors at the Live Oak County Fair for many years. In recognition of his dedication and contributions to the association, he was honored with the Legend Award and later the prestigious Golden Legend Award. Donny was also a deacon at First Baptist Church in Three Rivers, where his faith and service were an important part of his life.

When he wasn't working or serving his community, Donny found great joy in fishing and raising his beloved Beefmaster cattle. The community of Lamar, Texas, held a special place in his heart, where he loved spending time with family and friends fishing, enjoying fish fries, and sitting around visiting and sharing stories. Some of his happiest moments were spent enjoying good company, good conversation, and the simple pleasures of life.

Above all else, Donny's greatest love was his family. On December 28, 2026, he and his high school sweetheart, Peggy Stone Kasper, would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life filled with love, memories, and a family that meant the world to him.

Donny is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Stone Kasper of Three Rivers; his oldest daughter, Sheri Kasper of Three Rivers, and her son, Jordan Hines; his son, Donald Ray "Chip" Kasper Jr. and wife, Lori Teague Kasper, of Three Rivers; and his youngest daughter, Stacy (Kasper) Baros and husband, Kendrick Baros, of La Vernia, along with their sons, Brayden and Weston Baros.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dorian Rangnow; his niece, Kelly Rangnow Blackwell, and her husband, Johnny Blackwell, and their children; his nephew, Kyle Rangnow, and his wife, Cami, and their children; his nephew, James Stone III, and his wife, Phyllis, and their children; his niece, Lisa Stone West, and her children; his sister-in-law, Irene Stone; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Kay Stone; as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Donny was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Doris Kasper of Cuero, Texas; his sister, Janis Kasper Rangnow of Rockport, Texas; his grandparents, Carl and Lillian Weber Sr. and Hugo and Ida Kasper; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James Stone Sr. and Geraldine Stone; his brother-in-law, James Stone Jr.; and his nephew, Jason Stone.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Angie Perez and Harbor Hospice for their care and kindness over the past month.

Donny leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, countless stories, and a lasting legacy of love, friendship, faith, and service. His legacy will live on through the family he loved so dearly, the generations of students and educators he influenced at Three Rivers ISD, and the friendships and contributions he made through the Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association. And while he may no longer be here to tell another story, those who loved him will certainly have plenty of stories about him to share for years to come.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Three Rivers, Texas.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Three Rivers. Following the funeral service, family and friends are invited to gather for lunch at the Ray Point Community Center.

A graveside service will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Cuero, Texas, followed by light refreshments at First Baptist Church in Cuero.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Hines, Brayden Baros, Weston Baros, Kendrick Baros, Kyle Rangnow, and Johnny Blackwell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Donny's cousins, Lynn Weber and Damien Weber, along with Anthony Mihalski, Mac Johanson, Tony Pensik, Dave Moore, Tim Chapman, Bobby Graves, Dennis Mauer and Martin Tanguma.

Memorial contributions in Donny's name may be made to the South Texas Children's Home in Mineral, Texas or the First Baptist Church in Three Rivers, Texas.