Don worked on the L. O. Backus Thoroughbred Horse Ranch breeding, raising and training thoroughbred horses.  He was very accomplished as a young trainer by the time he was 22 years of age, winning stake races with remarkably fast times in New York State, Ohio, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico and California until 1974, when he continued with a plethora of businesses with much success.  

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandra, daughter Shelly Backus, and brother, Kay Cecil Backus, all of San Marcos. 

He is survived by daughters, Shannon Thornhill and Cody Ridge; his brother, Bill Backus; grandson, Tyler Harkins, granddaughters, Kylie Ridge and Ryland Ridge, and great-grandchildren Kaleigh, Calvin and Charles Backus. 

Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. at Pennington Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redwood Baptist Church in San Marcos, the animal shelter of your choice, or plant a tree in Don’s memory.  

Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas. 512-353-4311.