Obituary
Donald Robert Teasley was born on April 18, 1943 in Monrovia, California.
He transitioned into his next great adventure in heaven on December 20, 2023 — welcomed by his Savior, and his parents Walter Teasley and Justine Burton Teasley, as well as his younger brother Ken Teasley.
Don is missed by his wife and best friend of 51 amazing years together, Mary Swets Teasley. He is survived by his daughter – Cherise Jennifer, married to Will Saez, their two children, William 3 and John 2 years old; and son Jay Eliot, married to Jennifer Buchanan Teasley – and their new baby, Hudson James Teasley.
Don attended Monrovia High School. He played and loved football there, but suffered a severe knee injury that kept him from getting a football scholarship to UCLA – and from serving in the Vietnam war. He graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1965. He became Executive Director of Circle K International (Kiwanis sponsored college service organization) for three years. He met Mary on a blind date in Ann Arbor, Michigan while she was obtaining her Master’s degree and Don was working in Okemos. Don and Mary were married on Dec 23, 1972 in Muskegon, Michigan and moved to Colorado. There they became a part of a Koininia couples fellowship that proved significant in their Christian faith and growth.
Don obtained his J.D. at the University of Denver College of Law in 1975 along with a Masters of Science in Judicial Administration. He was in the private practice of law in Denver (1975 – 1987) Litigation and trial practice, focus on insurance industry matters). He served as Senior Vice President for Clark/Bardes in Dallas, Texas – then for the Newport Group in Orlando, Florida.
After he retired in 2013, Don served as a legal Fellow for the international justice Mission in Manila, Philippines with his wife for the year of 2014.
Don loved tennis, cooking, biking, theater, hunting and coaching our kids in sports and Christian apologetics. He enjoyed planning travel to obscure places like Puerto Angel, Isla Mujeres, Hay on Wye, Wales (the town of used books) – along with other favorites: London, Italy, Spain, Mexico and New York, etc.
There is much of Don’s history that is remarkable, but his attributes not listed on his resume’ are noteworthy also. Don was generous – and much of his giving was anonymously done. He financed the tuition of a relative for a year or 2 at Wheaton College and the family never knew their benefactor. He gave a cousin a check for law school when we were still struggling to pay our rent on time. How many times had he put in a “good word” for a friend to get a job, a promotion, or admission to law school. He did so much without the need for accolades – he was a humble and cheerful giver. Don never blew his own horn. He certainly had much to brag about throughout his life – but he never tried to puff himself up or impress people – yet they were impressed – because he thought before he spoke, he listened well, and he was honest, congruent and his word and integrity were respected.
Don had a goal to continue to use his skills to serve God even after retirement. While attending Northland church in Longwood, Don and Mary heard Gary Haugen speak in 2006 about the work of IJM, the International Justice Mission, to stop sex trafficking around the world. After years of learning more and giving financial support, the couple applied, got accepted and were assigned to a year in the Philippines. 2014 was probably the most significant year in their lives. Don worked in the legal department, bringing the ring leaders (the perps) to justice.
Also during his retirement, Don served for a year as interim Executive Director for Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM), and then served on their Board. Don was elected to the Harbour Village CSA Board and served 8 years as President. Northland Church invited Don to help out with answering the many “Ask A Pastor” questions – which tapped into Don’s skills and enjoyment of biblical research for the truth, as well as writing succinct responses.
It is with great love, respect and admiration that we his family honor and pay tribute to Don T
A Celebration of Don’s life will be held later in 2024 at Harbour Village, Ponce inlet.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to IJM and HUM.
Don did not just talk about issues. After careful thought he engaged 100% with HUM. With my encouragement he lead HUM as Interim Executive Director. We discussed many ideas for improving operations and how to serve the poor and homeless.
He also engaged with ideas of how to help Northland Church and helped get a men’s Bible Study at Harbour Village. We had many hours of discussion about ask a pastor questions. Those discussions led to an understanding of Don’s background and commitment to Christ.
As I started this reflection, I wrote about our friendship. Don was a true friend. He was an encourager, mentor and we challenged each other. We prayed often together. I will miss him and look forward to reconnecting for eternity. Donald Doudna