Obituary of Donald Eugene Kieffer

Donald Eugene Kieffer was born in La Feria, TX to Anna Louise Hannah and Samuel Dawson Kieffer and raised in San Antonio, TX.  He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Carrollton, TX on June 27, 2023, at 100 years of age.
In 1942, after high school, with dedication and desire to serve his country, Don enlisted and spent 24+ years, in the US Navy, in active and inactive service. He served in WW II, mainly in the South Pacific, Europe and Africa fronts as an aviation electronics technician, as well as in Korea and Viet Nam. As part of the Oceanic Air Survey Unit, his unit was responsible for setting up broadcast communications between South Viet Nam and the rest of the world.  Retiring as a lieutenant commander in 1966, he was a true American with great belief and loyalty to the United States.
Don studied political science and European history at William and Mary and received a B.S. in Education from the University of Oklahoma. He also received a master’s degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans focused on American History and Economics.
After an active naval career, Don taught ROTC several years at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, LA and spent 20+ years at Mandeville High School, Mandeville, LA, teaching history, economics and free enterprise. His love, commitment and passion for education were an inspiration to his students, colleagues and parents. He received many awards, including Teacher of the Year in MHS and the D.A.R. Outstanding History Teacher. He was well loved by his many students and was a favorite senior advisor for the Class of 1973.
Teaching and woodworking were two of Don’s passions. He taught woodworking as part of the adult education program in Mandeville, inspiring many “wanna-be” woodworkers to become accomplished craftspeople. He was also the epitome of the commercial for his last “career” where he worked “at the place with the helpful hardware man!”  He loved helping folks with DIY projects.
Spending time with his family and friends was important to Don and he loved telling stories, talking politics, and was always ready to lend a hand. Eager for new adventures, hobbies and challenges, he truly enjoyed woodworking, camping, gardening, cooking and even keeping up with new technology.
He also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and was a voracious reader. When his eyesight failed, he listened to audio books…always non-fiction, biographies or with historical content.
With his dearly beloved deceased wife, Margie, Don lived in the Covington, LA area for 40+ years where they were both very active at Christ Episcopal Church and with numerous other community activities.
Don’s constant support, love and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his friends and family.Don loved his children, Carolyn and Gene and was devoted to his stepdaughters, Karen Sanborn (Fernandina Beach, FL), Diane (Don) Fullrich (Carrollton, TX) and Leigh (Mike) Baca (Edgewood, NM), by their kids and grandchildren.Don Kieffer was truly an example of “The Greatest Generation,” his was a life well lived. As part of a special generation,  he is now a person at peace.There will be a Celebration of Life service for Don at Christ Episcopal Church, 129 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, on Sept. 16 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the VFW or charity of your choice.