Don Vincent Ingram

November 3, 1935 December 10, 2023

Don Vincent Ingram was born in Gary, Texas on November 3, 1935, and passed away in Dallas on December 10, 2023. A generous, charming, and often mischievous character, Don made an impression on everyone he encountered, especially with his inventive one-liners and nicknames. He was a seasoned storyteller, and loved ones will cherish the abdominal stitches suffered over the years.

Don played just as hard as he worked and knew how to enjoy every moment, particularly if dirt bikes, boats, hunting, and good bourbon were involved.

He was authentic—right down to his ostrich boots. Having grown up tending a farm, his rough-and-tumble attitude and distinctive charm made him a masterful businessman. Don graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Engineering, which paved the way to work with top players in the oil and finance industries. He began working for Alcoa in 1960 and, over nine years, worked his way up the ranks. From 1970 to 1977, Don was a principal partner with Paine, Webber & Co., a major corporate finance firm. After forming Summit Partners in 1978, he orchestrated Summit Oil and Gas Worldwide Ltd., an international oil and gas exploration company. His overseas endeavors allowed him to make friends and create memories in places like Nigeria, Russia, and Australia.

No matter where his negotiations took him, he’d always return with an arsenal of stories, some of which involved comically drunk koalas, “borrowed” vehicles, and pursuing sainthood alongside roving nuns.

As the President and Chairman of Summit, he acquired a private aluminum recycling company and founded IMCO Recycling Inc. IMCO became the largest independent recycler of aluminum in the United States until its sale in 2004. Over the years, Summit made major deals with Merrill Lynch, including the purchase and expansion of W.J. Johnson Ranch as well as the development of hundreds of producing oil and gas wells. Summit also procured and expanded the ventures of Hertz Heavy Crane Division, PoolQuip Inc., Atlas Architectural Metals, Southern Trucking Company, E&S Machinery, and Wheatley Gate Valve Co.

Don was preceded in death by his father Wallace Vincent Ingram and his mother Alva Harris Ingram. Don is survived by brother Stephen Brown Ingram; daughters Alice Louise Ingram Mattox, Tiffany Jay Ingram, and Brandyce Ann Ingram; granddaughter Alice Ingram Mattox and grandson Vincent Slade Ingram Lawson; nephew Stephen Brown Ingram, Jr., niece Suzanne Ingram, and great niece Ashley Nicole Lizza; surrogate brother Joel Lara, quadrupedal “financial advisor” Cash, as well as friends and steadfast employees.

A leader, magnate, fighter, and genius, Don will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Wood Methodist Church, 383 County Road 425, Tenaha, Texas 75974.

Please send donations to Woods Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Tenaha, Texas 75974 or Wood Cemetery, c/o David Fleming, 127 County Road 4662, Tenaha, Texas 75974.

A celebration of life will also take place in January of 2024, in Dallas. Arrangements are by Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.