Donald Roland Fleet

A proud United States Army Veteran, Donald Roland Fleet passed away in the early morning of July 3, 2023, at Baton Rouge General Hospital. With his two daughters by his bedside and his wife on the phone, all whispering words of comfort as Sgt. Fleet courageously reassured his physicians of his decision to transition peacefully.

Sgt. Donald R. Fleet was the epitome of class. A gentleman and brave young man of intelligence, integrity, and the wisdom of generations of his ancestors. Don decided to serve in the U. S. Army after graduating from McKinley High and Southern University at a very young age. Don was a dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He would forever consider his decision to join Alpha Phi Alpha and the U. S. Army as two of the most significant decisions of his life.

Sgt. Fleet proudly and successfully served his country in the 1950's in Verdun, France. When he was honorably discharged, Don was honored with a full military parade to commend him for his exemplary service - the first for a soldier of color in Verdun, France. It was extremely important to Don that his final resting place would be the Louisiana National Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Zachary, LA. We are all very pleased Sgt. Donald Roland Fleet will receive full military honors on August 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. His ashes will remain in the columbarium there. Don would have celebrated his 89" birthday on this day. He will have a very happy Heavenly Celebration of a life well-lived. He will be pleased we respected his wishes.

Whether you knew him as Sgt. Fleet, Donald, Don, Daddy, Poppie, Nonald, Mr. Donald, The Boss or Duck, you instinctively knew he was an exceptional human being. A man who had a clear sense of self. A man who respected and honored his heritage - Native American, African American, and Caucasian. He was most appreciative of the significant contributions his ancestors made to our city, our state, and our nation.

Serving in the U.S. Army as a young soldier with a college degree enabled Don to experience a life which would forever positively impact his career with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Don was a teacher, assistant principal, Director of Personnel and retired as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. A successful career of over 40 years.

Don loved his family, his friends, his pets, hunting, fishing, and watching all sports. Watching television and cheering his favorite teams while quoting statistics was his passion. As was spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, gardening, and tending his fishpond. He loved fine dining, liked to cook, and generally always seemed to be positive about almost everything.

Even though these past ten years of over thirty surgical procedures and long dialysis sessions three times a week were difficult, Don remained upbeat. We are all most appreciative of the skilled medical professionals. The compassion and skilled care they provided enabled Don to continue to enjoy and experience the best life had to offer.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of thirty-three years, Linda Dianne Fleet, his two daughters, Valerie Fleet Moore (Leon) and Leslie Gail Fleet from his previous marriage to Shirley Bankston Fleet and their grandchildren Taylor Morgan Moore and Tyler Mikal Moore, his aunt Margaret Boutte Milton, and a host of cousins and family. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Cottrell and Corinne Fleet and son Donald Roland Fleet, Jr.