Donald Wayne Christ, best known as Papaw and Lightening, left this world and began eternal life in Heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ on August 7th at the age of 91. Donald was born in Shreveport, LA on October 18, 1927. After graduating from Byrd High at the age of 16, he joined the Navy to serve his country in World War II. He served on the USS Okaloosa in the Pacific Operation as a Coxswain Seaman First Class operating a Higgins landing craft delivering troops and supplies to shore. In 2012, he was honored by Okaloosa County, Florida at the: Dedication-Of-The-Bell, from the USS Okaloosa and he was the guest speaker at the event. He was also featured on the local news as a Hometown Hero, all of which were some of his proudest moments.
In 1947, Donald married the love of his life and his best friend, Lillian Ann Duschel. Together in 1949, they built their forever home in Haughton, LA and raised their two daughters there. After he completed his time in the Navy, he began working as a roofer and doing carpentry work. This led to him and his brother-in-law, Bud Dowell, opening a business together - Federal Insulation, where he worked until retirement.
Donald was a proud member of First Baptist Haughton and an active member of his Sunday school class, which he loved dearly. He was also a member of the Krewe of Gemini for many years where he made many friends and great memories. Donald was an outdoorsman and spent many years hunting and fishing with his wife, “Catfish”. He loved to keep a garden and give out fresh vegetables to all his friends and family. The rest of his time was spent playing dominoes or card games any chance he could get.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; his parents, Daniel W. Christ and Annette Pratt Christ Hoffpauir; his brothers, William D. Christ and Gerald L. Christ; and his baby great-grandson, Chapman Michael Petty. He is survived by his daughters, Dianna Christ Petty and husband Cary and Sonya Christ McGowen and husband Danny; his six grandchildren: Monica Petty Cagle (Taylor), Megan Petty Gimber (Jon), Paul Michael Petty (Laura), Melinda McGowen, Angela McGowen Palmisano (Bryan), and Kevin McGowen (Chassidy); and his thirteen great-grandchildren that all adored their Papaw. He is also survived by his brother, Tommy Hoffpauir and his wife Betty; his sister-in-law, Betty Duschel; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Mary Glay.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Haughton at 10:00 AM with services starting at 11:30 AM on Monday, August 12, 2019. The service will be officiated by Dr. Gevan Spinney. Honoring him as Pallbearers will be Taylor Cagle, Jon Gimber, Paul Michael Petty, Bryan Palmisano, Kevin McGowen and Kaidan McGowen. Honorary Pallbearers are his nephew, Gary Duke, and members of his Sunday school class.
Thank you to all the wonderful people from WK Hospice, the VA, and to family and friends, including; Linda Williams, Chaplain Dana Casey, Angela Blake (AWLAYS here for us), Debra Gooden, Carolyn Mills, Melinda McGowen, and his special friend and caregiver, Faye Temple. “May the Lord reward you for your kindness” Ruth 1:8.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Home or First Baptist Haughton.
