Donald Martin Gallion

Donald Martin Gallion was born on September 13, 1943, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the oldest child of the late Adrian and Severine Lacour Gallion. Raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Donald attended St. Matthew's High School in Melrose, Louisiana, before graduating from Notre Dame High School in Shreveport in 1961. He continued his education at Natchitoches Trade School, where he earned his certification in automotive mechanics. In 1963, Donald enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War.

After returning from Vietnam, Donald met the love of his life, Mary Frances Beaudion. Following a whirlwind romance, the two were joined in Holy Matrimony on July 16, 1966 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Together they raised three sons: Darrin, Jean Paul and David.

Donald dedicated over 30 years of his career to National Cash Register Company (NCR), where his hard work and commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed. After his initial retirement, NCR requested him to return as Regional Manager, a position he accepted with his usual dedication for several more years.

A natural entrepreneur, Donald expanded his interests beyond his professional career. He began investing in rental properties, eventually turning his passion toward horses. After purchasing land on Cane River, he embarked on a successful venture into breeding show horses, most notably his Reserve World Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Pushing Major Cane. Donald was extremely proud of his horses, many of which became standouts in the show ring.

Aside from raising and breeding standout horses, Donald had a passion for researching and studying his family's genealogy and Creole heritage. Throughout his life, Donald engaged in conversations with people near and far about the rich history of family genealogy and French Creole heritage of Cane River, Louisiana. To anyone who would lend him an ear, he could spend hours telling someone about their family's ancestry and heritage.

Following his strong desire to be back on Cane River, Donald and Mary Frances built a home where they lived until his passing.

Donald Martin Gallion peacefully departed his earthly family on April 3, 2025. Welcoming Donald to his heavenly home are his parents, Adrian and Severine Gallion, his brother, Michael Patrick Gallion, and his father and mother-in-law, Avain and Pearly Beaudion.

Donald leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Frances; his sons, Darrin, Jean Paul and David; his two daughters-in-law, Tarina and Youlounda; his granddaughters, Brianna, Dara, Eureka and Miracle; great-grandchildren, Aniyah, Averi, Caydin, Chayce and Cree. He is also survived by his siblings, James (Jackie), Norma Jean (Sam), Edna, Susan and Adrian Gerard, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Donald's memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 11, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle, LA with Very Rev. Msgr. Rothell Price, JCL, JV serving as celebrant.  Entombment in the St. Augustine Catholic Mausoleum, with military honors, will follow.  The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 8 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches.