Don Arvel Mims, Sr.

Don Arvel Mims, Sr., age 88, of Natchitoches, LA, passed away Saturday, July 3, 2010, at Natchitoches Nursing and Rehabilitation in Natchitoches, LA. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, July 5, 2010. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on July 6, 2010 at Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville, LA. Mr. Don, originally of Provencal, LA, graduated from Northwestern University in the field of Aviation. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy as a pilot, serving from WWII into the Vietnam War. He retired with 28 years of service to his country. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and helping others. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Adeline Mims; his parents, Charles Mims and Annie (Bates) Mims; and one sister, Inez Durham. He is survived by his son, Don A. Mims, Jr. and wife Dorothy of Natchitoches, LA; three grandchildren, Don Mims, III and wife Kelley of Dallas, TX, Charles W. Mims of Lafayette, LA; and Carla Walker and husband Chris of Natchitoches, LA; and six great-grandchildren, Brandon Mims, Kendall Mims, Anna Walker, Houston Walker, Reed Walker, and Olivia Walker. Pallbearers will be Chris Walker, Charles W. Mims, Don Mims, III, Brandon Mims, Sonny Lavespere and Pat Dunham. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to your charity of choice.