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Walter Donald Hamm, 80, of Celina, TX, passed away Friday May 31, 2024. He was born on July 15, 1943, to Walter Franklin Hamm and Cora Etta Brown, in McKinney, Texas on their dairy farm near Bloomdale, TX. Donald helped work the farm and with his dad’s mowing business among other things, and he enjoyed being a wide receiver in football and his time in the FFA at Prosper High School. He graduated in 1961 and attended North Texas State University (Now UNT) in Denton, Texas. He later got his banking Masters’ Degree at the Southern Methodist University School of Banking in Dallas. Donald married Janie Lou Cozart in 1963, shortly after her high school graduation. They moved to Celina, Texas. They spent many weekends teaching kids to water ski on Lake Texoma, riding motorcycle trials competitions, and he became very active in the community. In 1973, Donald and Janie became parents to Gina Marie, and new adventures began. He was a great dad, teaching her many things from motorcycling to dancing. But mostly, he instilled his git-er-done attitude and a zest for life. The family expanded again when Gina married Raymond Overstreet in 2008, and they had Ryan Overstreet in 2011. Donald was so proud of his grandson, and what an intelligent, caring, witty person Ryan is. When Ryan walked in, “Chacha” lit up even on his worst days. He said Ryan made everything better. Donald worked at Willard Grain, and at one time he owned a service station on Pecan Street. He even had a few years in the 1980’s as a Real Estate Agent. But he spent most of his professional life as a local banker at the First State Bank in Celina, which became Independent Bank. And finally opening Texas Star Bank in Celina as President. Janie went with him, and they retired from there. Donald enjoyed helping people achieve what they needed in good times and bad. If you were in his office, he genuinely cared about you. He spent countless hours supporting Celina Students and Athletics, and he was an enthusiastic leader in the Celina Quarterback Club. Donald announced football games for many years until 1991 at Bobcat Stadium, he and continued with playoff radio broadcasts and The Bobcat Relays, and even the Homecoming Parade, culminating in almost 50 years of announcing. He even served a term on the Celina School Board. Donald and Janie followed the Bobcats all over the state to football games, basketball tournaments and track meets. Donald believed in Celina and building business and community. He helped the Greater Celina Chamber of Commerce get its charter and held every office at some point. He helped start Celina Fun Day, the Celina Balloon Festival, the fireworks at Old Celina Park, Christmas on the Square, Trick or Treat on the Square, and delivered meals to families during the holidays. His deep voice and love for music spilled over to every event and brought people joy for years. And he loved being in the middle of all of it. Donald also spent many years as a volunteer fireman, and he served as Fire Chief for a while. He put out fires in banking suits, melted dress shoes, and carried many friends in the ambulance. Donald and Janie loved to travel and were blessed with 60 years of adventure. National Parks were a favorite, from coast to coast on motorcycles, and even into Canada. He always said his favorite place on earth was the Rocky Mountain National Park. He rode his mountain bike to the top with Janie and Gina as his support vehicle. It took a little longer with Coca-Cola and smoke breaks, but he got-er-done. Janie lovingly encouraged and cared for him from their teens, until he left this earth. Donald was blessed with a host of long-time friends & cousins that were loyal and made life sweeter. From ski trips, dove hunting, dancing and many motorcycle trips, Donald loved to be surrounded by friends and family. And if you were on any of those, you likely have a story or two. Donald is survived by his wife Janie Hamm; daughter Gina Overstreet and husband Raymond; grandson Ryan Marshal Overstreet; Donald’s siblings; Barbara Luan Sleeper and husband Clarence, Jimmy Kirk Hamm and wife Shirley; brother-in-law Dennis Gray; and thirteen nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. He is proceeded in death by his parents, and his sister Shirley Judith Gray. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00PM-4:00PM, Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Celina High School in the Bobcat Stadium Hospitality Suite in Celina, TX. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Mr. Walter Donald Hamm

July 15, 1943 - May 31, 2024