The number 50 means a lot to TRWD Operations employee Donnie Mayes.
When he’s not working, he gets together with a group of longtime pals called the “The Grown Folks.” Twice a year, they meet at a friend’s house just outside the town of Corsicana, where they barbecue, listen to music and enjoy the great outdoors. To join the group requires that you’re at least 50 years old. It’s great relaxation and a chance to talk with other men who are close to Donnie’s age.
Fifty is also meaningful because Donnie just celebrated his 50th anniversary with Tarrant Regional Water District. He joined TRWD in 1976, when bell-bottomed pants, platform shoes and long hair were in fashion, and when the music we listened to was quite different.
Time goes by fast when you’re having fun and working with good people. Each day of “rollin’ on the river” is different, as Donnie quickly found out back in the 70s and has learned every day since.
Starting out; learning along the way
As a beginner with the Water District, one of his first tasks was mowing the grass around the main office located off of Northside Drive in Fort Worth. Over the years, he picked up numerous skills, leading him from a mechanic shop position to driving dump trucks and operating heavy equipment like track loaders.
The training he’s received along the way has been invaluable, Donnie says. He loves the ever-changing nature of construction – moving from one project to the next keeps him challenged and engaged.
Working in the Operations group
Donnie currently works as an Operator III on the Construction Operations team, focusing on various construction jobs, primarily along the Trinity River in Fort Worth. He is well-versed in running the heavy equipment needed to dig and move construction materials on the 27-mile floodway or wherever his expertise is needed. His efforts and experience help keep these important projects moving and on time.
Over the last few weeks, he has been working on moving heavy rock from Jack County back to Fort Worth to help solidify the creek bank at Airfield Falls, a popular natural waterfall on the west side of Tarrant County. Donnie also played an important role in building the original project several years ago.
Recently he was part of the crew that resurfaced the parking lot at Marine Creek Lake in northwest Tarrant County. He also helped install a new kayak launch at that location. Donnie also helped put up some pedestrian bridges earlier this summer at the Fort Worth’s Fourth event to improve access for patrons.
Work in the Operations department continues year-round, as long as it’s not too wet to bring in equipment. Cold and heat don’t deter the team, as they work with equipment that is heated and air conditioned.
Two of Donnie’s favorite things about his job are working with different people of all ages and being out in the field.
“We all work together well and have a good time,” Donnie says. “When you spend your days with good people, the job goes by fast – both daily and for almost 50 years now.”
Special interests and hobbies
How does a guy like Donnie, who enjoys making friends and helping people out stay busy during his off time? His interest in equipment – most likely based on the skills he’s picked up over the years at TRWD – has led him to a relaxing and fulfilling weekend hobby working on vintage cars and trucks. Donnie can make an old vehicle run like new, changing or rebuilding parts. Outside, the beauty of the old car looks the same, but under the hood, Donnie can update with power brakes, air conditioning, power steering and other modern features. He also likes going with friends to look at older cars they’re interested in buying, to advise them on whether the purchase seems like a good deal.
Other times, he kicks back at home with friends and his two grandsons. In addition to music, Donnie likes sports. His favorite is football, but he also enjoys basketball and other games – including just about every sport featured when the summer and winter Olympics roll around.
Building friendships, getting the job done, serving the community
Donnie is the kind of guy who just naturally builds friendships, both at work and when he’s off-duty.
“I like to keep a smile on my face and treat others the way I like to be treated myself. I try to get along with everyone,” he says.
For almost 50 years, since he was that young man just starting out in what became a lifetime career with TRWD, Donnie has made the most of each day, enjoying his job and gaining fulfillment from the work he does. He’s learned new skills and grown up with TRWD.
Donnie’s five decades of doing good things with good people impact different many communities up and down the Fort Worth Floodway in many positive ways. With an attitude and work ethic like Donnie’s, every day is magical.
