Donald left this Earth in God's hands on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the age of 82. He was born in Gonzales on August 9, 1930 to Sully and Lucille Gautreau. He was a 1948 graduate of Gonzales High School. He worked in the electrical/construction field in the Baton Rouge area until he enlisted in the 35th Air Division of the U.S. Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War, earning the medals of World War II Army of Occupation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Korean Service Military Medal. After his service he was employed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers from 1955 to 1967. In 1967 he went to work for the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center and finally retiring as facility manager in 1995 after completing 32 years of service to the federal government. On June 22, 1958 he married the love of his life, Loris Landry Gautreau in Ponchatoula, LA. He is also survived by two children, Michelle Gautreau Danna and her husband Dominick E. Danna, Jr. and David Gautreau and wife, Lisa Crawford Gautreau. He is also survived by his brother, Rickie Gautreau and his wife, Theresa; and grandchildren, Dominick E. Danna III of Lottie and Austin and Grant Gautreau of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mona Braud; granddaughter, Daphne Danna; granddaughter, Josie Gautreau; and grandson, David Gautreau, Jr. He was a member of the St Theresa Choir and local funeral choirs for over 50 years. He also practiced the French language at a local class. He loved the sports of baseball and was an avid golfer and member of the Gonzales Country Club. He was a member of U.S. Air Force baseball team and played for the semi-pro Gonzales baseball team, Gonzales Red Sox. He was a member of the American Legion for 50 years and I.B.E.W for 60 years. Visiting will be at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Gonzales on Saturday, November 3 from 8 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am, Rev. Alec Sheldon and Rev. Than Vu, officiating. Burial to follow in Hope Haven Cemetery, Gonzales. Please visit our memorial at www.oursofh.com to offer your condolences.
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Loris, George and I are so sorry for your loss. We are sorry we were out of town and unable to attend his funeral. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
George and MaryLou Reed
George Reed
November 10, 2012
Nanny,David,and Michelle,
I am praying that God gives you strength and courage to continue. Paran was a loving man that always had a story to tell and always had a smile on his face. He will be truly missed.
Darlene Shelton
November 6, 2012
Paran you will definitely be missed. Look down on Loris and watch over her. Be her guardian angel.
Darlene Shelton
November 6, 2012
David, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gavin and April Griffeth
November 3, 2012
We loved Mr. Donald so much and always looked forward to seeing his smiling face on our trips "home" to Gonzales. He lived a lovely and loving life. We wish you all love, peace, and comfort now and in coming days. God bless you.
Ashley, Andre, Morgan & Jordan Rogers
November 3, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Beam Family (Lisa's cousin)
November 2, 2012
Dear Loris, Michelle, and David,
Please accept our sincere symppathy.
With love,
Karen & Bill Crawford
Sherri and Jamison
Karen Crawford
November 2, 2012
Thinking of the Gautreau family and sending...LOVE AND PRAYERS.
Pie Lanoux
November 2, 2012
Mrs. Loris,
Words cannot express the deep sorrow I feel for you and your family in the loss of Mr. Donald; He was such a wonderful person. Each time I saw yall together or viewed the many memory books that documented your lives together, it was very obvious that you two shared a wonderful relationship. You both loved each other and your family so much and it showed. I will keep all of you in my prayers, and if there is ever anything that you may need, I will always be here for you.
Melissa Mallet
November 2, 2012
Loris and Family, Don was such an awesome boss and i will miss him dearly. It has been years since I saw him last but I will miss his smile. He never had a mean word for anyone and and always had a smile on his face. Heaven is a much brighter place now. Keep the memories close to you and he will alwasy be there.
Anita Scott
November 2, 2012
David, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your family are in my prayers.
Nikki Poirier
November 2, 2012
We are really sorry that we can't make the funeral. I consider Donald as one of my best friends and golfing partner. We will miss him and will always remember his entertaining stories. Loris, may God bless you and watch over you in the future Vel & Jill Marchand (Columbia, MO).
November 2, 2012
Boss,I will so miss your smooth voice singing next to me. I guess God needed another bass/baritone in his choir. It will take time to heal the hurt after 39 years singing next to you. To you Loris, from Catherine and I, send our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Monte and Catherine Bonin
November 2, 2012
Hits me hard. What a good man. I knew him my whole life. I was a 6 year old bat boy for the Red Socks when he played and of course played golf with him many times. He was smart, funny, good athlete, and has the most beautiful wife, Loris who I've also loved forever.
Buddy Gautreau
November 2, 2012
Mrs Loris, I am so sorry to hear of Donalds passing. He was a delightful person and I feel honored to have known such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God wrap you in his arms and comfort you.
Kerry & Ernestine Granier
November 2, 2012
David & Lisa, Our prayers are with you as you celebrate the beautiful life of your dear father. He leaves behind a great legacy for your boys. With heartfelt sympathy, Sheri & Bobby McKey
Sheri & Bobby McKey
November 2, 2012
Mr Donald was such a joy to all of us in the French Class. We thoroughly enjoyed his sense of humor as well as his wonderful stories. There will be an empty spot that will go unfilled in our group. I was blessed to have known him even for the short time we shared. Mr Donald was that rare person who shared his wit and knowledge freely with anyone who was luck enough to be in his company, thanks for all the joy you have given to those in your life.
bart lessard
November 2, 2012
Au revoir, mon ami...
Donald will be so missed at our french class. He brought such joy to us with his funny stories and poems. Much love and sympathy to you Loris and family.
Joyce Babin
November 1, 2012
Loris, thank you for allowing me to get to know you and Donald in the choir. Your dedication is an example for all of us. Your choir family is praying for you and your family in this difficult time.
Chad LeBlanc
November 1, 2012
Loris, thanks for allowing me to get to work with you and Donald in the choir. Your dedication to what you do sets a great example for all of us. Your choir family is praying for you and your family in this difficult time.
Chad LeBlanc
November 1, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
From the Staff of Ourso Funeral Home
November 1, 2012
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