Thomas Donnell

Thomas “Tommy” Gwynne Donnell passed away December 28, 2022 at the age of 88, in Amarillo, Texas.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Weller, two sons David and Blake.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Gwen, and one son Andy.

Tommy will be remembered for the way he loved to talk to everyone and his kindness that he shared with others.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Tommy was a successful businessman working for over 30 years at Cain’s Coffee Company.  While also, operating a successful commercial kitchen supply business in Amarillo, Texas.

He excelled in track and football at Amarillo High, and then attended the University of Oklahoma where he was second-string running back behind Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels for the Sooners.  He ended his college football career early due to a knee injury.  Then, went on to the premier Wharton school of business in Pennsylvania; however, his heart never left Oklahoma, so after one year, he returned to OU to graduate.  After returning to OU he began dating his fellow high school classmate Gwen Selecman at the University of Texas.  From there they married and moved back to Amarillo.  Tommy returned to the family business Golden Light Coffee Company.  He enjoyed his daily work with his father Hugh.  He and Gwen went on to have three boys.  In 1972, he initiated one of the early Auto- Chlor chemical company franchises.  In 1980, Tommy and Gwen moved to Oklahoma City as he was promoted to president of Cain’s Coffee Company for eighteen years.  He propelled Cain’s to the most profitable coffee company during his tenure.  In 1989, Gwen was diagnosed with cancer.  Tommy was steadfast in providing Gwen’s care for the following thirteen years. Afterwards, he married Nancy Weller from Colorado Springs; they enjoyed traveling between their two homes in Colorado Springs and Scottsdale, where they played golf and enjoyed many holidays with family and friends.

Tommy was a special man, who had the endurance in caring for his mother, father, wife, and sons under all circumstances.  Never losing hope.