Donald F. Cass Sr., 83, born November 18, 1940, in New Orleans, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024, at Christwood Retirement Community in Covington, LA., under the loving care of his family and St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Helen Meyer Cass, and children, Donald “Skip” Jr. (Christi), Jeffrey (Sheri), and Erin. His grandchildren include Andrew (Michelle), Katie, Hayden, Elise, Peggy, and Carson, and his great-grandchild, Christopher. He is also survived by his brother William (Jini Linn) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents Anna May and Francis Cass, and his brother, Dennis Cass (Becky).
Don grew up in Mid City, New Orleans, graduating from Jesuit High School in 1958. He was the first official graduate of the University of New Orleans in 1962. After marrying in 1964, Don and Helen raised their family in Chalmette and Metairie, LA. After many years as empty nesters, they moved to Covington, LA to the Christwood Retirement Community.
Don was a veteran of the Air National Guard and began his business career with Louisiana Power & Light in 1962. He retired from Entergy in 1996, after a 34-year career as an Advertising & Marketing Executive. He won several Addy Awards and was the creative genius behind the wildly successful ad campaign “Don’t Monkey Around Power Lines'' in the 80’s and 90’s.
Don was a loving father, husband, and friend to all, including many furry friends. He was known for his kindness and sense of humor. A die-hard LSU and Saints football fan, he would likely be found fussing at the TV during LSU and Saints games. Don loved Mardi Gras festivities, including attending the annual Endymion Extravaganza with Helen. He had a great interest in history and politics and studied under historian Steven Ambrose at UNO. He was an avid reader of literature, fiction, and non-fiction and instilled a love of reading in his children. He enjoyed reading to his grandchildren.
With a passion for giving back to his community, he was a loyal supporter and advocate for the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, attending several annual conferences. He also supported the United Way of Southeastern Louisiana Adult Literacy Programs.
A Memorial Visitation for Don will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433, followed by a Funeral Memorial Mass in the chapel at 2:000 PM.
In lieu of flowers, we invite contributions to be made to The National World War II Museum in memory of Donald Cass. Your contribution honoring Donald's legacy would support his love of the Museum he supported for 21 years. He believed in its mission to tell the American Story of WWII. Please mail contributions in memory of Donald Cass to The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 or online at https://www.nationalww2museum.org/.
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