Don was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. He was born on February 22, 1935 and passed away on January 25, 2025 just shy of his 90th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Paul Delaville and Minnet Harrell Delaville, and his wife of 64 years, Barbara Schexnayder Delaville. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Dale Delaville (Shelly), Donna Lamonte (Larry), and Lisa Traina (Frank). He also leaves behind five grandchildren and their spouses: Amy Burford Carrico (Ryan), Todd Burford (Christina), Lauren Lamonte Tyler (Thomas), David Lamonte (Whitney) and Caroline Lamonte Smith (Spencer). His surviving great grandchildren are Madison and Skylar Carrico, Sadie and Matthew Burford, Grace, Molly and Hayes Tyler, Reed and Lane Lamonte, and Bradley and Audrey Smith. Don was a very proud graduate of the Catholic High School Class of 1953 and attended LSU. After retirement from Barnard & Burk Engineering, Don enjoyed a full, active life in the company of family and friends. “Pappy”, as he was affectionately called by his family, was proud to be the patriarch of his ever-growing family. His family was a source of immense pride and joy. He loved when his grandchildren called or visited, especially when they asked him for advice or assistance with a project. He enjoyed the chaos of watching his great grandchildren play together, but was equally happy when they left and his home returned to peace and quiet. An outdoorsman and sportsman from his early years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time maintaining his yard and tinkering in his workshop to repair and restore outboard motors, lawn equipment or anything else his family and friends brought to him. He was a lifelong member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. He looked forward to his Lion’s Club meetings on Mondays and seldom missed a Thursday afternoon at Bridgeview Gun Club where he had a chance to show off his shooting skills. He always bragged about being the oldest one there and especially enjoyed beating his younger friends. Until his last days, he competed in sporting clay tournaments with his son and his friends. Some of Don’s dearest friends were his Catholic High classmates that he remained in regular contact with, often hosting reunions and gatherings at his home to keep them connected. He entertained everyone he met with his quick wit and his sense of humor, often laced with a bit of sarcasm. He had the ability to make everyone laugh and no one ever had to guess what he was thinking, because he always spoke his mind. For the past few years, he was blessed with the companionship of his dear friend Pat Ketelsen, who brought him much happiness and comfort. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at St. Aloysius Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at St. George Catholic Church Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Todd Burford, David Lamonte, Ryan Carrico, Thomas Tyler, Spencer Smith, and Bert Wintz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic High School or your favorite charity.
