Donald P. “Don” Schwab, Sr.

Donald P. “Don” Schwab, Sr., 81, died Saturday, October 19, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born April 6, 1943, he was a native of Labadieville, LA and resident of Houma, LA.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 8:30 am until service time at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 pm with burial following at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery #2.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy DeFatta Schwab; daughters, Michelle Scarpero (Randy), Kristi Maiorana (Sal); son, Donald Paul “D.P.” Schwab, Jr. (Jeana); grandchildren, Dante Scarpero (Kailyn), Dominic Maiorana (Katie), Jonathan Scarpero (Bailee), Alaina Maiorana, Sydney Schwab, Josie Schwab, Julianna Schwab; great grandchildren, Sawyer Scarpero, James Maiorana and 2 great granddaughters on the way; brother, Jerry Schwab; sister, Cindy Schwab; sister in law, Joyce Foret; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Schwab and Amy Landry Schwab; brother, Huey J. Schwab; sister, Fernan S. “Fertie” Richard; and extended relatives, Dennis Foret, Eugene Richard, and Susan Schwab.

Don graduated from Thibodaux High School in 1961 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Louisiana State University in 1967. He played as a fullback for the LSU Tigers football team where he led the team in rushing in 1963 and 1964 and led the Southeastern Conference in rushing in 1964. He is still the only fullback in LSU history to lead the SEC in rushing. In January 1965, he participated in the Sugar Bowl where he was the team’s leading rusher. He also participated in the 1963 Bluebonnet Bowl and the 1966 Cotton Bowl. Known as “Coach” to many, he soon began his teaching and coaching career at Sam Barthe School for Boys in Metairie. Throughout his professional journey, he coached football at Central High School in Baton Rouge and H.L. Bourgeois High School in Gray. He also took on the role of offensive coordinator at Nicholls State University and served as the head football coach at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. In 1991, Schwab transitioned from Vandebilt to become the director of the Terrebonne Parish Recreation Department. He later worked for five years as the general manager of HTV-10, the cable television station in Houma, before serving as the Terrebonne Parish President from 2004 to 2008. During his time in office he led the parish and surrounding areas through both hurricanes Katrina and Rita and its recovery efforts. He continued his career with the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney’s office working as a case manager for Drug Court and working in the Truancy Reduction Program.

In addition to his many sports, educational, and political endeavors, at his core, Don was a devoted husband and family man, consistently present to support and uplift his children and grandchildren, never missing a sporting event or any activity they were involved in. In his later years he enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and hunting at their cabins in Mississippi. He was also a loyal friend and a constant source of support, always ready to lend an ear or offer a helping hand whenever needed.If a man’s wealth is measured by his impact on others, Don is the wealthiest of men. He was cherished by all and will be profoundly missed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Haydel and Dr. Dickie Haydel and Haydel Memorial Hospice. They would also like to express their gratitude for his caretakers, Yentl, Germaine, Joycelyn, Chelsea, Toshia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Make a Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana Chapter,12625 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Ordoyne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.