Don Charles Schwab

Born on May 15, 1952 in New Orleans, Don lived a community-centered life driven by passion and surrounded by meaningful relationships. He attended Holy Cross High School, where he was a proud trombone player in both the marching and stage bands. Music was always close to his heart, and his children carry fond memories of him playing his trombone along to Chicago songs on weekends. He later attended William Carey University, where he continued building the foundation for the hardworking life he lived.

Known to many simply as “Coach,” Don dedicated much of his life to football. He spent his years shaping players both on and off the field. His lessons of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and respect will live on in every young man he mentored. The outpouring of love, appreciation, and stories from his football family has been a source of great comfort to his loved ones, and a testament to the lasting difference he made in the lives of so many.

Outside of football, Don carried a lifelong passion for the shrimp industry. It was more than just work to him, it was a way of life that connected him to the water, to his community, and to his roots. He poured his heart into it with the same dedication and pride that he gave to his family and his teams.

The truest joy of Don’s life, however, was his beloved wife, Cathy. The two met as high school sweethearts, and from the age of 16 he knew she was the love of his life. They married young, shared 52 years of marriage, and built a life together grounded in devotion, laughter, and family. Cathy stood by his side through every chapter, and their love was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Above all, family was his proudest accomplishment. A devoted husband to Cathy and a steady foundation to his three children. He was always there through life’s highs and lows, always ready with the right words when they needed them most. And to his grandchildren, he was “Pawpaw,” a title he cherished above all. His bond with them was deep and full of joy, and his pride in them was boundless.

He is survived by his loving wife Cathy, his children Bryan (Holly), Jeffrey (Lori), and Kelly (Paul), and his grandchildren Kaitlynn, Brandon, Finlee, Nina, and Felix. Don’s legacy will live on in the love he shared with Cathy and his family, every team he coached, every note of music he played, every life he touched, and in the seafood industry where his life’s work made a lasting impact.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a blessing at 1 p.m. Friends, family, and former players are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the memory of a man who gave so much of himself to others.