Influential leader in UMC's creation remembered for robust civic, community involvement

Mateo Rosiles, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
·2 min read

Known as a veteran, farmer, and civic leader, Don E. McInturff died in Lubbock on March 2 at the age of 97.

McInturff was born in Lubbock on Nov. 24, 1926, where he grew up and graduated from Lubbock High School in 1944, according to his obituary. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a technical sergeant during World War II and received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1947.

McInturf went on to graduate from the U.S. Army Command, the General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, attaining the rank of Colonel before retiring.

QUALITY CARE – Pauline and Don McInturff both say the dedication of Dr. Jui-Lien “Lillian” Chou and her staff, including Vicki McBride, R.T., and Rick Burrescia, PA-C, is evident in their patient care. Pauline, who is two-time survivor of breast cancer, credits early detection using Aurora dedicated breast MRI, as well as the support and love of her husband, for helping her beat breast cancer last spring.

In 1948, he married Pauline Lokey and graduated from Texas A&M Univesity in 1949.

He returned to Lubbock and Crosby Counties to farm in 1951, where, with his business partner C.R. “Choc” Hutcheson, he began acquiring interests in oil properties in the Permian Basin and throughout the U.S.

He also served on several civic and professional organizations, with one of the notable ones being chairman of the Lubbock County Hospital District, the supervising body for University Medical Center during its founding years.

After retiring, UMC named the conference center after him. McInturff also served on various committees for Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and his alma mater.

On Wednesday, UMC released a statement to the Avalanche-Journal:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Don McInturff, a cherished longtime supporter of UMC Health System. Don exemplified a remarkable spirit of generosity and compassion, always demonstrating a heartfelt dedication to giving back to his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they navigate through this difficult time.”

He was also involved in the community, being a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Homebuilders Sunday School class for over 40 years.

A celebration of life is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, individuals make donations to the UMC Foundation, UMC Health System, or to a charity of their choosing.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Influential Lubbock leader remembered for civic, community involvement