JONATHAN EMMITT ("DON") THIGPEN

     Jonathan Emmitt Thigpen (called "Don"), b October 25, 1925 in Chilton, was a son of Jonathan Emmitt and Mayme Claire (Relf) Thigpen, Jr. Don attended North Texas State University in Denton, and Texas Technical University in Lubbock, Texas. Returning to Falls County, he became Auditor for Falls County, and was elected State President of the Texas County Auditor's Association in 1966. He is now owner of the Dairy Queen franchise in Marlin, Texas.

     During World War II, Don served in the Merchant Marines, and was awarded an AEO Ribbon and two battle stars. In 1951, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Ann ("Bitsy" Johnson) Hamilton, who had a daughter, Frances Hamilton by her first marriage to Gordon Hamilton. Don and Bitsy had two sons:

     John Emmitt Thigpen, b May 14, 1952, d 1972 in a car accident, while attending Sam Houston University in Huntsville, Texas.

     Andrew Benjamin Thigpen (called "Drew"), b December 12, 1954 - who married Cynthia Gail Fannin, b August 21, 1955 - a daughter of Wilbur Gerald and Lucy Lee (Winfrey) Fannin, and they have three children: Justin Thigpen, b February 10, 1975; Joshua Thigpen, b April 21, 1982; and Jeremy Thigpen, b April 17, 1985. They reside in Austin, Texas where Drew is a Certified Public Accountant - working for the State Comptroller's Office.

     Don and Bitsy Thigpen continue to reside in Marlin, Texas.

Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart for printing the biographies of these Falls County Families to this Web page.
"Families of Falls County", Compiled and Edited by the Falls County Historical Commission, page 451 column 1.  
Member of Falls County Historical Commission.