Donald Cyril Celestin Sr.'s Obituary
Donald Cyril Celestin, Sr., age 83 of Mandeville, LA died on Sunday, February 01, 2015, at his residence. Born, Saturday, March 21, 1931 in New Orleans, LA to Alphonse George Celestin and Alicia de Alminana Celestin also raised by his step mom Vivian Eloise Celestin.
Donald Celestin Sr. attended Fortier High School where he excelled in swimming, football, baseball, and became Cadet Captain of Fortier Military Unit. Don accomplished the rare feat of swimming 22 miles across Lake Ponchartrain at the age of 17. After marriage to his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane Matherne, Don enlisted in the USMC and left for Camp Lejeune in 1950. Subsequently, Don served 3 Tours of Duty in Korea from July 3rd 1950- July 2nd 1954 and became a Sergeant in the USMC receiving 3 Purple Hearts during his service.
Don received a swim scholarship to attend LSU where he developed a passion LSU.
As Don returned to Covington, LA, he was a general contractor for over 40 years. He served as President of St. Paul’s Athletic Association and had a passion for working with St. Paul’s High School. He helped build several facilities at St. Paul’s school.
Don was a loving father to his son and daughter and loving husband to his bride of 62 years, Betty Jane Matherne.
Survived by his beloved wife - Betty Jane Celestin, son - Donald Celestin, Jr. (Toni), daughter - Karen Marie Celestin, granddaughter - Amber Whiteside, grandsons - Austin Whiteside, Canyon Celestin, Stone Celestin, brother - David Celestin, sisters - Patricia Riggle, Judy Enos, Sharon Wang. He was predeceased by his parents.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at 12:00 PM on Friday, February 06, 2015 at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue Covington, LA 70433.
Visitation on Friday, February 06, 2015 from 9:00 AM to service time.
Interment in Southeast LA Veterans Cemetery Slidell, LA with full military honors.
Donations may be made to St. Paul’s High School P.O. Box 928. Covington, LA 70434 or The Wounded Warriors Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, Florida 32256
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org in lieu of flowers.
Share a memory on the tribute wall at ejfieldingfh.com.
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