Don Lee Gamblin

Don Lee Gamblin, 82, of Amarillo, died Friday, March 13, 2026.

A private family gathering will be held at a later time this spring. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Don was born on June 9, 1943 in Amarillo, Texas to Velma and Gurnell Gamblin.

Don married Shelia Victoria Burns on June 27, 1964 in Amarillo and was married for 61 years.

Don was a jack of all trades. He could install, fix, or build just about anything ranging from cars to houses. Don was a business owner. He owned his own insurance companies with Farmers and Humana as well as Old Fashion Hand Wash in Amarillo. He was a pipe fitter by trade with various construction companies and worked on the Alaskan pipeline.

Don loved nature. He lived on three acres of land where he fed the birds daily. It was always so peaceful watching the various birds, deer, rabbits, etc. come to the front yard to eat or drink from his various fountains and bird feeder. He loved watching the beautiful sunrise and sunsets over the canyon.

Don was also a very good cook! His favorite meal to make was breakfast. He enjoyed repeating the recipes of his own mother, Velma.

Don also enjoyed listening to music both old and new ranging from Hoyt Axton to Pink Floyd. He was an avid history buff and often told many stories about the Texas Panhandle, specifically the story of the Shot of the Century and Quanah Parker.

He loved his family and his dear friends of 76 years, Dick Lynch, Dwight Sumner, and Jay Nimmo.

He is preceded in death by: parents Velma and Gurnell Gamblin, brother Tim Gamblin, nephew Cory Don Fancher, brother-in-law, Ted Hillis, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don is survived by his wife, Shelia Gamblin, of the home; son, James Gamblin of Amarillo, daughter, Donna Melotakis and her husband Manny of Denton, TX granddaughter Breanna Melotakis of Seattle, WA and grandson Mason Melotakis and wife Ashley, great grandchildren Croix and Harley Melotakis of Alvord, TX. Sisters, Celia Fancher of Fort Worth, TX and Beth Hillis of Tallahassee, FL. as well as many favorite nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Council of the Blind through email acbamarillo@acb.org