Donald H. Sokol, 92, of Round Rock, Texas, formerly of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, May 1, 2026, in Pflugerville, Texas.

Local arrangements are pending.

Don was born on June 3, 1933, to Dennis and Helen Sokol in Columbus, Nebraska, where he grew up and spent his childhood. In his youth he was a gifted athlete, competing in basketball and football throughout high school. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1952 and went on to serve for nearly 26 years, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. He traveled the world, first to Japan and Germany as a young serviceman, and later with his family to Ethiopia, Spain, and England. When it came time to retire in 1978, he chose Austin, Texas over Tampa, Florida. He said he’d take a rattlesnake over an alligator any day. At least you can hear one coming. Those who knew him understood that it was simply Don looking out for his family, the way he always did.

Don’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Second only to them was the golf course, and you’d find him cheering on the Dallas Cowboys or the St. Louis Cardinals any chance he got. He had a lifelong love of westerns, any and all of them. At the card table, he was a formidable gin rummy player, and it was a rare occasion when he lost a hand.

He is survived by his children: Donald H. “Buddy” Sokol Jr. and wife Carole, Dennis Sokol and wife Joanne, Vickie Sokol Evans, Tracy Sokol, and Tammy Shvartsman and husband Eddie. His grandchildren: Abigail Cheney and husband Drew, Parker Cheney and wife Beth, Amelia Thompson and husband Zach, Statia Dupuy and husband Chance, Grace Crider and husband Ziggy, Lauren Corrales and husband David, Michael Sokol and wife Mariah, Melanie Sokol, Andrew Sokol, Sokol W. Evans, William M. Evans, Benny Shvartsman, and Stella Shvartsman. His great-grandchildren: Oliver and Herschel Cheney, Oliver Sokol, Harrison, Alexander, and Elijah Corrales, Charles Crider, and Rowan Thompson.

Don is preceded in death by his father Dennis Sokol, his mother Helen Sokol Skorupa, and his stepfather Edward Skorupa.