Don A. Chambless

Donald Alexander Chambless, husband of 57 years, dad of 3, and an eternal teacher, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2024, at the age of 82. Born in Montgomery, AL on March 26, 1942, Don was a graduate of Lanier High School, earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Auburn University, and continued his education at Tulane University, earning a PhD in mathematics.

Don and Patricia Ann James met while both were students at Auburn and married August 27, 1967, in Huntsville, AL. Their son Andrew was born while Don was at Tulane and their twin daughters joined the family while Don was a postdoctoral fellow at The University of Florida. The family of 5 moved to Montgomery in 1973 where Don began full professorship in the math department at his beloved Auburn University of Montgomery (AUM). He was a pillar of the math department for over 40 years and continued to tutor AUM students after retirement.

When describing Don, one would say he had a wicked since of humor along with a subdued personality. A quiet and genuinely kind friend who could fix practically anything, he was forever the teacher and student interested in learning about most everything. He admired Albert Einstein for his brilliance and his office was always full of books, a poster of Einstein, and a total mess. Don was an avid tennis player, runner, and a huge fan of Auburn Football. Lemon icebox pies brought joy to his face, as did his favorite drink: a Coca-Cola over crushed ice in a large Bubba Keg cup.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia James Chambless; three children: Andrew Chambless of Birmingham, AL, Leslie Kearse (Corey) of Birmingham, AL, and Janet Chambless of Chicago, IL; and 5 grandchildren: Marrison, Paul, and Charlotte Kearse of Birmingham, AL, and Julia and George Chambless of Birmingham, AL.

His ashes will be scattered in the Memorial Gardens at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, AL on Thursday, December 12th, at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. Give to First UMC Of Montgomery at

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