Donald Jerome Chailland

filled with the assurance that he is deeply loved by God and by his family.

Don, as he was known by most, was born on March 4, 1941 to parents Hassell Chailland and

Lavenia Rikard Chailland Earls: Don was 82 years old at the time of his death.

Don was born in southern Missouri to a farming family. He was raised on a farm where he and

his brother, James, and sister, Charlotte could often be found wandering the farm, eating fresh

onions and watermelon, while getting into all kinds of mischief. He graduated from Kennett

High School in Kennett, Missouri, a treasured small town that became home base for the entire

family for decades. From there, he went on to attend Arkansas State University, where he

earned his bachelor’s degree. His first job out of college was a high school math teacher. He

often talked about his year as a math teacher with great fondness. He knew math well and

taught his students with passion and skill. When he had his own children, he used that passion

and skill to patiently help them through all their many math assignments.

Following his year of teaching, Don went to work for McDonald Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis,

Missouri. In 1977, he moved his family to Houston, Texas so he could begin to work for Brown

and Root Construction, where he soon became project leader for “The Great River Project” -

a pipeline that ran from the Mediterranean Sea to the desert in Libya. He used his savvy people

skills to lead and coordinate team members from Libya, Korea, and United States as they all

worked to complete the project.

Finally deciding he has spent enough time working for others, Don set out to work for himself.

He became the founder and president of Chailland, Inc, a professional employer organization.

Through his determination, business sense, and tireless efforts, he grew the company into a

highly successful business. It is perhaps through this business that he had the most impact.

He touched many lives as he gave many people opportunities to work and expand their skills. He was

in leadership in the industry as a board member for PACE - Professional Association of Co-

Employers. Don thrived in his work. It brought him excitement and purpose.

Work was not all Don did with his time. He coached his children’s sports teams, including tball,

flag football, and floor hockey. He served as the pack leader for the boy scout troop his

son, Mitch Chailland, joined. He patiently taught his daughter, Kim Long, volleyball in the

backyard and how to drive. He spent several years sailing and living on his sailboat, La Petite.

He loved to attend Saints games and would watch any LSU team playing. He always enjoyed

a good meal out with family and friends or a great conversation with anyone who stopped by

his office.

All told, Don lived a full life. For his life and his legacy, we are thankful.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hassell Chailland and Lavenia Earls, step-father, AJ

Earls, sister - Charlotte Gore, and son - Chester Chailland.

He is survived by his brother, James Chailland and wife, Connie, his children, Kim Long and

husband Robert Long and Mitch Chailland and wife Melissa, his grandchildren and great

grandchildren and long time friend, Darlene Clair and her children, Mary Mayeaux, Katie

Herbert and husband Derek, Danny Claire, and Sean Clair.