Donald Joseph Orgeron

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Gayle (Meche) Orgeron; his children, Derek (Jennifer) Orgeron and Melissa (Shasta) Owen. “Daddy Don” is cherished and remembered by his grandchildren, Wade (Kalyn) Burkett; Avery Powell; Kason, Lillie, and Micah Orgeron; Adalynn “Addie” Owen; and his great-grandchildren, Easton and Emarie Burkett. He is also survived by an older brother, Elmo Felix “Pug” Orgeron, Jr.; younger sister and brother-in-law, Janet (Gene) Williams; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James Curtis (Gloria) Meche Jr.; brother-in-law, Danny Meche and several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Elmo Felix and Jeannie Orgeron; his brother Richard Embry Orgeron, Sr., sister-in-law Brenda (Cart) Orgeron, and sister-in-law Gwendolyn (Alleman) Meche.

Raised in the close-knit Cajun traditions of rice-country south Louisiana, Don carried a deep pride in the culture that shaped his strong faith, character, work ethic, and love for family. Those roots guided him as he ventured to University of Southwest Louisiana (UL) to pursue his degree, a move that led to meeting the love of his life on the commuter bus. After Don and Judy were married, they moved to Denton, Texas where Don finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas.

Don’s degree in psychology opened the door to their life in Longview, Texas. It was there that Don began his career in counseling, started his family, and created a home filled with the same love, resilience, and faith that defined his Louisiana upbringing. His life was dedicated to service of others.

Don loved his Lord and Savior and was a devout Catholic for his entire life. He served as an altar boy at St. Michael’s Catholic Church growing up in South Louisiana and then graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic High School. Don and Judy raised their children in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Longview and were most recently welcomed like family by their fellow members of St. Theresa of Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Union Grove, Texas.

After decades devoted to counseling, Don entered retirement with the same compassion and purpose that had guided his entire career. Far from finished with serving others, Don and Judy turned to Don’s lifelong love of photography and built a second calling as photographers. Through his lens, Don captured wedding joy, family connection, and new beginnings, touching the lives of many couples and families throughout East Texas and beyond. His artistry, patience, and genuine care left an imprint on a community that cherished both his talent and kind spirit.

The biggest imprint he left, however, was on his family. The deepest joy of Don’s life was the home he built with his beloved wife Judy. Don was Judy’s steady “anchor” for over 56 years. Their commitment to one another was unparalleled and left a lasting legacy of faith and devotion to family. Don cherished traveling with his sister and brother-in-law and returning to south Louisiana to visit Don and Judy’s families, sharing games, laughter, and the joyful antics that always brought them closer.

Don could not have been a more present or supportive father, and Derek and Melissa were so blessed by the parents God gave them. Everyone who met Don would get the impression of his gentle, calm, and kind nature,

and those who knew him well understood how genuine those attributes were to Don’s personality. He was never judgmental, and always eager to help out those around him.

Daddy Don’s grandkids and great-grandkids have countless memories to treasure. They all loved playing cards and camping with Nana and Daddy Don. Of course, they made memories around the dinner table, including Daddy Don making gumbo and everyone enjoying Nana’s special chocolate cake for every family birthday.

Don was the kindest, most gentle man who consistently led by example. As his daughter-in-law recently said, “he taught me so much even when he didn’t say anything.” He is deeply loved and will be missed every day.

A visitation will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home, located at 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, Texas, 75604, on February 4, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. A rosary will follow at the same location at 7:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at 10AM on Thursday, February 5 at St. Theresa of Infant Jesus Catholic Church, located at 10138 Union Grove Rd., Gladewater, TX 75647, with a reception to follow at the church. Entombment will take place at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 5000 W. Harrison Rd., Longview, TX 75604 following the church reception.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations directly to:

St. Theresa Catholic Church

10138 Union Grove Rd.

Gladewater, TX 75647