He was born to the late Irma Regina Touart Pierre and John Nicholas Pierre on December 12, 1932, in Mobile and spent his childhood there fostering his love of God and the Catholic Church at St. Mary Catholic School and McGill Institute (Class of 1951). After high school, Don served in the United States Army for 3 years. He was part of the 461st Infantry Battalion, Heavy Mortar in the Korean War and he was awarded the Department of the Army Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant for meritorious service. After his stint in the Army, Don obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University.
He is survived by his faithful wife of 67 years, the former Janet Cecile Betancourt, who loved and supported him through military service, college, and Don's successful career with International Paper Company, where he retired as Manager of Paper Manufacturing Services after 37 years of Service. He was a member of IP Quarter Century Society. Don was an avid golfer and spent his retirement traveling the world with Janet and doting on his beloved grandchildren, to whom he passed on his love of blue crabs and Auburn football. Don was a member of St. Mary Parish, a member of the St. Serra Vocations Club for the Archdiocese of Mobile, and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4888. Don faithfully served daily mass at the Carmelites Monastery for the past 12 years and with great joy he often provided his special smoked hams to the Sisters in gratitude for their service to the Church. He was inducted into the McGill-Toolen Hall of Fame in 2005 after a memorable run on the varsity baseball and basketball teams where he won several city championships.
Don is survived by a large family who loved him and will miss him dearly: in addition to his wife, he leaves behind his children, Steve, Gil, Maryann (Joe), John (Linda Sue), and Sarah; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings John ("Jack") Joseph, Mary Regina Pierre Bosma, Sherard ("Shake") Anthony, and his twin brother Douglas Francis. Family and friends will gather at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mobile for the Rosary, and visitation with the family will immediately follow. Following visitation, the funeral mass will be officiated by Don's grandson, Father Gilbert Pierre, at 11 a.m. A full military graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carmelite Monastery or the Archdiocese of Mobile SOS Seminarian Fund.
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