Donald Albert Logeais

Major General Donald Albert “Don” Logeais (USAF, Ret’d), died December 14, 2023 at his home in Alexandria, VA at the age of 88, after a valiant battle with cancer. Don is survived by his wife of 68 years Geraldine (Geri) and five children: Dee (Jay) Bouley, Keith (Dianne) Logeais, Kevin (Donna) Logeais, Maurice (Debbie) Logeais and Rene (Leslie) Logeais, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Don was born June 8, 1935 in Kimball, Minnesota, graduating from Eden Valley (Minn.) High School in 1953. Don and Geraldine Arnold were married in Eden Valley in August 1955. While pursuing his botany degree, he worked his way through St Thomas College in St Paul, Minnesota in the ROTC Program, earning his bachelor’s degree and commission in the USAF in June 1957. He was awarded a Master of Science degree from George Washington University and graduated from National War College, both in 1977. Don served his country in the U.S. Air Force at various bases throughout North America, including Texas, Nevada, Labrador and then most of the 1960s at Charleston, S.C. It was there that he transitioned to the large cargo planes in the Military Airlift Command. That path took him and his family to MAC HQ at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, with a short stint as squadron commander in Vietnam. He and his crew were some of the last to leave Vietnam in 1973. Don worked with the Maintenance and Airlift squadrons for three years at McGuire AFB in New Jersey, and moved to Alexandria VA to attend National War College. In 1979, the family moved back to Charleston as Don ascended the ranks to become wing commander there. He moved into Logistics command at Warner Robins in Georgia in 1983. Don received his second star as Major General in October 1986, and returned to Scott AFB near St Louis. By the summer of 1987, he became commander of the Military Airlift Command’s 21st Air Force out of McGuire AFB in New Jersey. With 34,000 people and 280 airlift aircraft under his command throughout eastern Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and South America, he coordinated supply logistics for military bases all over the world. After 32 years in the USAF, Don retired as Major General in 1990. Upon retirement, Don and his family moved back to the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria Virginia, where he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing on the Potomac. Not only was he a member of the Belvoir Bowmen’s Club, but he was very active in the Alexandria council of the Knights of Columbus, achieving the rank of Grand Knight. He used his botany degree knowledge as he tended over 50 feet of rose bushes in his backyard, specializing in the Knockout and Desmond Tutu varieties. Don and Geri loved working word puzzles, especially the L.A. Times crossword. He loved playing games with family members, especially cards and chicken-scratch dominos. Don loved to barbeque with his Big Green Egg, so much so that he gifted each of his children with one. He was always in search of a good rhubarb pie, and appreciated a fine after-dinner cognac. Don liked TV westerns, old country music and polka-dancing with Geri. He commanded the TV remote and controlled what everyone else could watch—thanks a lot Fox News and Duke basketball! In fact, he’d organize his life around watching Coach K and those Duke games on TV. Family memories include winter vacations in Florida, summer lake times in Wisconsin, and gathering for holidays and family moments all over the country. Don was one of four children born to his parents Albert and Rose Logeais, along with Vila Fischer, Robert and Richard Logeais. All preceded him in death. Don lived with faith in God, love for his family, and pride in his country. There were times when it seemed hard to tell which took priority. Visitation services for Major General Don Logeais will be held at Demaine Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA on Friday, December 29th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, December 30th at 10:30am, with visitation beginning at 9:30am. A luncheon will be held by the Knights of Columbus following mass at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Interment with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date in 2024. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Knights of Columbus Mount Vernon Council #5998 in Alexandria, Virginia, Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia, or any veterans support group of your choice.