Don Schol passed away February 2, 2023 in Argyle, TX due to complications related to Parkinson's Disease. He was 82 years of age. He was born on June 11, 1941 to Henry Schol and Margaret Rose (Snell) Schol, in Buffalo Center, Iowa.
Don graduated from Jesuit High School in Dallas, TX, and received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Dallas in 1963. Although he briefly studied to be a priest at a seminary in San Antonio he ultimately decided that the priesthood was not his true calling. He received his M.F.A. in Sculpture and Drawing from the University of Texas, Austin in 1966. From 1967-69 Don served as a volunteer in the U.S. Army infantry. His rank at separation was Captain. From 1967-1968 he was assigned to the Office of Military History as the team leader for U.S. Army Combat Artist Team V, stationed in the Republic of South Vietnam, where his commanding officer frequently reminded his unit "Gentlemen, you are soldiers first, artists second." His commendable performance prompted his commanding officer to write the following:
"More than once in the performance of his duties as a combat artist he courageously subjected himself to hostile fire in an effort to more realistically depict the role of the United States soldier in photographs, sketches and color studies. Lieutenant Schol, on occasion,due to the tactical situation of the unit with which he was operating, was
required to drop his role of combat artist and turn his attention on the action around him. He once performed as a helicopter door-gunner in an aerial battle against communist positions along the Cambodian Border. His constant even temperament and resolute courage of convictions portray him as an officer not easily swayed under conditions of extreme pressure."
In 2011 Don published a book of wood cut prints and narrative commentary about his Vietnam experience, titled War Cuts. The forward was written by then Senator John Kerry. A full set of the original wood cut prints on which the book was based is on permanent display at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire, NM. The sculptures and drawings that he produced for the U.S. Army in his capacity with U.S. Army Combat Artist Team V are archived at the Smithsonian Institution.
Immediately following his military service, Don was hired as an Assistant Professor by the Art Department at North Texas State University in Denton, TX. Forty-one years later, he retired as the Associate Dean of what had by then become the School of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX. He leaves behind an international legacy of students and colleagues who remember fondly his influence of mentorship. During this time, Don started the first Photo program at North Texas State University, but his primary studio pursuit remained wood sculpture, always featuring his beloved Honduran mahogany as his preferred medium. He worked exclusively with hand carving chisels, using many of the same techniques used in the Middle Ages. It was his belief that art could play an enhancing role in the faith experience, and he often worked with church architects and parishes to help them achieve that goal. Don leaves behind a large body of liturgical sculptures, commissioned by churches, throughout the DFW area and even as far away as Nigeria. His separate, and equally prolific body of secular work often reflected on the philosophical conundrums of the 'Everyman', and was an opportunity for him to express his wry sense of humor.
Don R. Schol leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Pamela B. Burnley-Schol of Argyle, TX, and son, Mark E. Schol and his wife, Sue Schol of Columbus, TX.; two grandchildren, Captain Laney M. Schol USAF, and Tommy Schol and his wife, Kristin Nicole Schol; and one great-grandchild, Jude Schol.
A Celebration in Thanksgiving for the Life of Don Schol will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at the The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, 602 N. Old Orchard Lane, Lewisville, TX. Father Rene Somodevilla will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at give.michaeljfox.org