About Us
Donald J. Bierschwale was born on Morris Ranch in Gillespie County, Texas on March 22, 1933 to Edward and Myrtle Bierschwale. He graduated from St. Gerald's High School in 1952, where he played football and was nominated to the San Antonio Express' Little Giants Football Team, along with his teammates, Clifton Dzierzanowski and Roy Butler. In his younger years, Don did a little amateur boxing with the Golden Gloves. He was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association in 1952 and 1953. Don was a professional Bull Rider, with his biggest event being at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Don graduated from Commonwealth College, where he studied Mortuary Science to become a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He began a career in the Funeral Industry that lasted over fifty years. A passion he shared with his family, all of whom are licensed Funeral Directors. He opened five funeral homes in San Antonio and had a partnership in one in Jourdanton. Along with the funeral homes, Don owned the first emergency services and limousine service in San Antonio (Don’s Ambulance and Don’s Limousine Services). He was very involved in the Southside Community; Don was selected as a Board Member of Harlandale State Bank. His family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren all continue to live and work on the Southeast Side of San Antonio.
In the early 1970’s Don was instrumental in the country music production, of Stoney Edwards and Bridgett Singer. He was the founding member of HWY 16 Raceway, today known as Texas Motor Speedway. Don had numerous race cars that ran locally and elsewhere in Texas. From 1970 to 1996 B-B Racing was formed with E.J. Burke, Jr and Don. They began racing the NASCAR circuit with drivers, Jimmy Finger, Clarence Lovell, Ed Szech, Johnny Rutherford, Jr., and his son Eddie Bierschwale. Don's biggest thrill was when his son, Eddie, won the Texas 500 race at Texas World Speedway, in College Station, and set the track record, for stock cars, at 183.739 mph. Don is also in the Over 200 Club at Talladega Motor Speedway. He was very proud of his whole family that helped and made most of the races all over the United States.
The funeral profession was his main career and at the time of his death on November 6, 2011 the family was in the process of starting a new funeral home on the Southeast side of San Antonio. In his honor and carrying out his wishes and his passion Heritage Oaks Mortuary located at 2502 So. W.W. White Road was opened in late summer 2013. A dedication ceremony was held at the Grand Opening.
