Don Lee Gamblin

Don Lee Gamblin, 82, of Amarillo, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Born on June 9, 1943, in Amarillo, Texas, to Velma and Gurnell Gamblin, Don grew up with a natural curiosity and a strong work ethic that defined his life. He married Shelia Victoria Burns on June 27, 1964, in Amarillo, and the couple shared 61 devoted years together.

A true jack of all trades, Don could install, repair, or build nearly anything, from cars to houses. He owned insurance agencies with Farmers and Humana, as well as Old Fashion Hand Wash in Amarillo. By trade, he worked as a pipe fitter for various construction companies and contributed to the building of the Alaskan pipeline. Don had a deep love for nature and spent many peaceful hours on his three acres of land, feeding birds and watching deer, rabbits, and other wildlife gather at his fountains and feeders. He cherished the quiet beauty of sunrises and sunsets over the canyon. An excellent cook, he especially enjoyed preparing breakfast using his mother Velma’s recipes. He found joy in music ranging from Hoyt Axton to Pink Floyd and was an avid student of history, particularly the stories of the Texas Panhandle, including the Shot of the Century and Quanah Parker. Above all, he treasured his family and his lifelong friends of 76 years, Dick Lynch, Dwight Sumner, and Jay Nimmo.

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

Don is survived by his wife, Shelia Gamblin, of the home; his son, James Gamblin of Amarillo; his daughter, Donna Melotakis and her husband Manny of Denton, Texas; his granddaughter, Breanna Melotakis of Seattle, Washington; his grandson, Mason Melotakis and wife Ashley, and their children, Croix and Harley Melotakis of Alvord, Texas; his sisters, Celia Fancher of Fort Worth, Texas, and Beth Hillis of Tallahassee, Florida; and many beloved nieces and nephews.