Don Edward Page

Major Don Edward Page (Retired), 89, of Alexandria, La., passed away April 10, 2012. Don was a beloved man. He was known by many for his versatile mind full of jokes, business sense, off-color limericks, and bible verses; and for singing Johnny Cash songs. He loved all kinds of music, but especially country swing and Big Band - because he loved to dance. He was a charming flirt who loved to see women smile. He was known locally for his strong support of the Masonic Lodge, The Moose Lodge, Junior Golf, The Mystic Krewe, The No Name Club, and for selling/appraising Real Estate in Alexandria. Prior to moving to Alex, Don lived in Rosepine, La., where he was active in the community, the Lodge, and local commerce and politics. Don was a frequent volunteer to help local organizations with fundraisers or charitable functions. He was a wonderful father and husband. He was an amazingly patient man with willful children that loved him and three stubborn wives who tried to keep him in line. Don loved learning new things, and also enjoyed helping others learn how to move up the ladder of life and business. He mentored and advised many young businessmen and women in the Alexandria area. He had a strong understanding of human nature and an open mind to other's view points. Don was born on a small farm in Arkansas south of Little Rock near Benton, to Acie and Sarah (Sallie) Page in 1922. He went into public service early, joining the CCC when he was only 16, and then enlisting in the Army. He served his country during three wars and served in Vietnam. He had a long distinguished career in the military serving in Korea, Vietnam, Europe and several duties stateside. He was part of the 101st (Screaming Eagles) Airborne Division reactivation at Ft. Campbell, Ky. and also served in the 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Bragg, N.C. He obtained the rank of Major with many military honors, and awards for marksmanship. When he retired from the military he moved from one challenge to the other learning the skill of millwright, and then construction including running several operations for Leonard H. Bossier Co. He studied for and obtained his college degree from Northwestern State University. He decided to pursue Real Estate and was certified to appraise both residential and commercial property. Don frequently cited his father, Acie Page, who impressed on the young Don "can't, can't do anything" Don quickly learned to say "yes, I can" to his father and that attitude opened up the world. Don never found anything he couldn't do. He was interested in many things and never stopped learning. He studied or taught himself mechanics, engineering, guitar, sharpshooting and academics. His studies and life experience made him the person to ask if you wanted to know how to butcher a pig, fix your car, any song in the key of G, set a road grade properly, mix cement at the right temperature, appraise your vast commercial building, or what bourbon to buy. He could discuss world politics or religious theory and was as comfortable teaching Sunday school as reciting his favorite bawdy song. Each morning he would do the word Jumble and the crossword puzzle just to keep his mind sharp. We are all so very lucky to have known him. Don Edward Page passed away at 7:39 a.m. on April 10, 2012 in his home on Elliott St in Alexandria, La. The family is grateful for the professional and very kind services of Cabrini Hospice Homecare and the staff and medical personnel that assisted his last phase of life. Don is preceded in death by his parents Acie and Sallie, his brothers Leon, Jake, and Henry, and sisters Emma, and Peggy. Don lost his wife of 49 years, Josephine in 1994. Don was a strong man and outlived many of his relatives and dear friends. He spoke of them often and told humorous stories that made them come alive again. He leaves behind a wife of 18 years, Ruth Page. Ruth resides in Lexington House nursing home; two daughters, Paulette Johnsey of Irving, Texas, and Donna Singer of Indianapolis, Ind.; a son Don Edward II (Buzz) and wife Debbie of Vilonia, Ark., stepson, Ralph William (RW) Sanders and wife Julia of DeQuincy, La. his long time business partner and best drinking buddy, William Buelow and wife Cheryl; and grandchildren Don E. Page III (Trey), Rigel Page, Larry Fields Jr., Tracey Fields, Erin Singer. Don has five great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was particularly close to the sons of his oldest brother Leon; Howard, Jerrell and Gary and enjoyed visits with them and yearly reunions in Arkansas. The family will hold a private memorial in his honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Don would like you to take time out to help a friend, visit a nursing home and make someone smile, volunteer your time to an organization that makes the world better, serve your country, learn something new and interesting, keep your yard clean, recite a bawdy story, have a drink of George Dickel and laugh. "It was down in the Leheigh Valley that me and my sister Lou, we started us a whorehouse and it was a 'darn' (edited) good one too. This was one of the many pooms and tales that you would hear if you had the pleasure to be in the presents of this man so dear. He was not the richest man nor famous for the world to see, but you could always count on him in struggles by your side to be. There was never a job to big or small that he would not take to task, somehow through patience & perseverance prevail and at the end raise a flask. There were several times when many around us would say you'll fail. This man would not be discouraged and through amazing persistence prevail. So when he gets up yonder, the old man says there's a problem you'll have to wait, he will say don't worry St. Peter I can fix that gate!" To extend online condolences to the Page family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.