Don was my very first "best friend!" He lived at 1209 Brown Street and I lived at 1212 Dunlap Street, in Paris, TN.  Our back yards joined.  His dog at the time was 'Old Ben."  My dog at the time was "Tippy."  We were in the same class at school, and joined the neighborhood friends centered around the "little house" which stood in Don's yard (still there the last time I checked).  We all played in the "alley" located at the rear of our yards.  My parents moved us to Jackson along about 1955, but we remained friends at lease until 1962 when we graduated from high school.  I reconnected with him by mail and telephone just a few years before he died.  He is still one of my fondest memories!

Now I understand why Don has been on my mind these last weeks.  On a hunch I checked the obituaries, and was greatly saddened to learn of his passing.  We met in about 1950 or thereabouts.  I lived at 1212 Dunlap Street and Don lived at 1209 Brown Street in Paris, TN.  Our backyards were divided by an alley which was the gathering ground for most all the kids in the neighborhood, and especially in the "little house" in his backyard. According to Google Earth both are still apparently there. His bird dog  Old Ben introduced us, and I considered Don my very best friend from 1st grade through the 5th grade when my parents moved us to Jackson, and we stayed friends for many years after.  Doc and Corene were almost my second parents.  I think I used to drive Corene (no, I didn't call her Corene) crazy knocking on her back door asking "can Don  come out and play."   In later years I even occasionally dated his beautiful and delightful cousin Diane.  Don was a very special person.  The memories are just flooding over me now, and I'm not ashamed to admit that some tears are flowing.  Bless you Don..............

In 1970 Don and Judy and Terry  and Michael (both, I think) moved in the other side of the duplex where Brenda & I & Shane lived, here in Nashville, our 1st home  away from our parents.

Don had a volvo sports car and a Bultaco two stroke racing motorcycle, which he started and rode around in the backyard, and then let me ride it.

Fast forward about two months... And he and I and Jimmy Horton all have brand new CZ racing motocross bikes, just as motocross was taking off in this part of the world. 

It was a cool tme to be a part of a sport that came from Europe to California and thanks to Don we were in the very beginning in Tennessee.

Larry Claud

Don and Judith were a blessing to River of Life Church. As dedicated servants and Elders of the church they worked tirelessly in the ministry. From the early days of community outreach to the explosive growth as the Lord opened doors. Don and Judith made a difference in the lives of those they touched. Renee' and I were honored to call them friends. Prayers of peace and comfort to the family.  I know heaven was rejoicing when he arrived.

Both Don and Judy were a big chunk of my teenage years. I am happy knowing they are reunited. I will always cherish the camping trips and memories made at Mike’s house. All my condolences to the family.