Wyatt Driskell

Wyatt Driskell, 84, Harwood Texas passed away March 4, 2016. His 84 years on this earth were filled with honest hard work, faith, fun and family loyalty. He was born in Austin Texas on Aug. 7, 1931, to Jewel and Annie Ruth Driskell. Christened Wyatt Ashley, he quickly became “Sonny” Driskell to all that met him.
After six years as an only child, Sonny was joined by his two

brothers, Terry and then Arthur. Though born in Austin, the boys were relocated to San Antonio as work opportunities for the family were better there. Sonny was an exceptional high school basketball player, and after graduating from Breckenridge High School, attended Southwest Texas State University on a basketball scholarship. He left the University after one year and returned to Austin with the rest of his family. They settled down near Bailey Park, now in mid-town Austin.
He became one of the “Bailey Park Kids” on his return to Austin; playing softball, basketball and any other games that the neighborhood could offer. While playing ball for the Bailey Park softball team, he met a young lady from the girl’s team, Lovey Nauert. They quickly began “going together,” and were married Sept. 14, 1952 in St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Moving to the Bailey Park area may have been one of his best decisions ever, as they have been inseparable for 64 years!
Blessed with two sons, Wyatt and Terrell, the early years in Austin were filled with family activities, church, sports, and work. Work has always been a theme for the Driskells, as well as the family loyalty. Sonny worked with his father in the bakery, and also as a painter. Within a few years, he became a paint contractor with his friend Royce forming the Meyers-Driskell Paint Company. This too was a family affair with his brother and sons, and nephews working together over the years.
As hard as he worked to build a business, he may have played harder. He was a fearsome and tireless right handed pitcher. So much so, that he was drafted one year by a competing team just so that they would not have to face him! He sat the bench the whole tournament, until called upon to finish an epic 28-inning game. The story goes that the sun was setting when the game started and it was rising as the game finished. Sonny threw the last 10 innings of scoreless softball game to get his adopted team to the World Tournament.  After retiring from painting and softball, he and Lovey moved to Harwood Texas, where they have lived for the last 30 years.
While in Harwood, Sonny was a founding member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Luling. He developed the Diamond D cattle brand, and enjoyed the company of his neighbors and family. In his leisure time he enjoyed deer hunting with his family, fishing, and attending the countless events of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He will be honored with visitation on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in O’Bannon Funeral Home from 6 – 8 p.m. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2016 in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Luling. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. in the Cook-Walden Memorial Park in Pflugerville. Pallbearers include, Robert, Ryan, David, Stephen, Darrell and Chris Driskell.
Wyatt Driskell was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Wyatt, but he lives on in the hearts of his wife, Lovey; his son, Terrell, and his wife, Jennifer; his brothers, Terry, and his wife, Sylvia, and Arthur and his wife, Georgia; his grandchildren: Ashley, Alisha, Ryan and Meredith; and his great grandchildren Tylee, Rylee, and Caleigh. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations to the Trinity Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society.  Services are under the care and direction of O’Bannon Funeral Home.