Emmett Giffen Donegan, age 95 of Seguin, died peacefully in his sleep, with his family at his side, on April 15, 2024, at Warm Springs Hospital in New Braunfels.  Emmett was born on July 2, 1928, in Seguin, Texas to Hettie Giffen Donegan and Charles Henry Donegan, Sr.

Emmett often said the best thing that ever happened to him was to be born into the family that lived at 713 Baker Street in Seguin, Texas where, throughout their lives, they took advantage of every chance they had to break bread and share their lives together.  He always considered himself to be the luckiest of men—in the family and friends he had and the community in which he lived.  And he loved to laugh.  He was as good a story teller as he was a listener, and, during their later years, he and his brothers met every Monday for lunch, always recounting stories of their adventures growing up on Baker Street with much laughter, sometimes to tears, but always with joy.

After graduating from Seguin High School in 1945, he attended Texas Lutheran College before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his business degree.  He then returned to Seguin and went to work with his father and brothers, John and Benton, at The First National Bank.  While working with area farmers and ranchers, he developed his love for horses, land, and the culture that surrounds them.

With land in particular, he had an artist's eye, seeing beauty and potential where others saw only scrub brush and mesquite.  He worked many a piece of property like a sculptor works at a fine piece of marble, seeing the beautiful object within and then chipping away until what he saw was revealed for others to see—and enjoy.  He spent countless hard-working hours at Leesville, Dewville, and Edna where, it seemed, both he and the land came to own each other.  Meanwhile, there was nothing that gave him more pleasure than spending time at Dewville with his grand- and great-grand children.

After his career in banking, he purchased his uncle Hugh's insurance agency, which became Donegan Insurance.  Here, for decades, he and the business thrived in Guadalupe and surrounding counties.  In his later years, he came back to banking, serving as president and chairman of the board at Nolte National Bank.

Throughout his working years, he dedicated much time to the church—initially First Methodist and then St. Andrew's Episcopal.  He taught Sunday school at the former and, over the years, served multiple terms on the Vestry and as Senior Warden at the latter.  He was a very generous man, with his time and his treasure, and he exercised that generosity with a modesty that defined his character.

Emmett is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marjorie Donegan Luce, and husband A. E. "Buck"; brothers, Charles Henry Donegan, Jr. and wife Marjorie, John Donegan and wife Idalen, Benton Donegan, brother-in-law, Raleigh Custer, former spouse and mother of his sons, Ann Nelson Donegan.

Survivors include his loving wife of 41 years, Geraldine "Geri" Donegan; sons, Nelson Donegan, Craig Donegan and wife Pat, and Scott Donegan; his beloved grandsons, Sherman Donegan and wife Jennifer, and Richard Donegan and wife Alex; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Madeleine, Brigitte, and Blakely Donegan; step-children, Brian Thomas and Kim Thomas;  sister, Patricia Custer; sister-in-law, Mary Louise Donegan; numerous nieces and nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.

A memorial service celebrating Emmett's life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with the Reverend Stephen Shortess officiating.   A reception will follow in McKeogh Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 201 E. Nolte St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.