Celebrating the life of
Donald Edward LaBlanc
December 08, 1921 - December 07, 2012
Donald Edward LaBlanc
SAVANNAH - Donald Edward LaBlanc, 90, passed away December 7, 2012 in Memphis, TN. He was a native of Park Falls, WI but made Savannah his home for over 47 years. Don attended Superior State College and the University of Wisconsin where he played football, basketball, and boxed. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and infantry officer and saw action during WWII and the Korean War. When Lt. LaBlanc's squad was ambushed in Korea, he was severely wounded and was subsequently awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
While stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he met his future wife, Cleo. They were married for 45 years. After leaving the military and receiving his master's degree from Mercer University and a six-year certificate from the University of Georgia, he became a high school teacher and head basketball coach at Warner Robins High School. He was honored as Georgia Basketball Coach of the Year in 1961.
In 1964, Don transferred to Savannah where he continued to teach and coach. He soon moved into administration and served as principal at Mercer Junior High School and assistant principal at Savannah High School. After 18 years with the Chatham County School System 13 years at Savannah High he retired in 1982. Don kept his hand in teaching for a few more years serving as a professor of philosophy at Armstrong State College and Saint Leo's College at Hunter AAF and Fort Stewart.
Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Cleo; his parents, Joseph and Rose LaBlanc; his sister Dorothy; brother, Raymond; and granddaughter, Whitney Mayer. He is survived by his children, Susan Schaaf Greg of Germantown, TN, Diane Mayer Jeff of Big Canoe, GA, and Donald LaBlanc, Jr. of Columbia, SC; grandchildren Mark Schaaf Sarah of San Francisco, CA, David Schaaf Ashley of Portland, OR, Curt Mayer of Marietta, GA, and Laura Karshenboym Zhenya of Atlanta, GA; great granddaughters Hayley and Vivienne Schaaf of Portland, OR; and sister Jean Schleife of Eleva, WI.
Private graveside services will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Doctors Without Borders, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Coach LaBlanc had a great impact on a lot of young men in Warner Robins as the basketball coach and teacher. He is spoken of often and with great respect.
- Gary Tolbert, Warner Robins, GA
I have fond memories of Coach LaBlanc as Basketball Coach at WRHS. He was a wonderful mentor to many students & a great coach & teacher. My heartfelt sympathy & prayers go out for his family at this time of such great loss!
- Bonnie Logan Nicholson, Mableton, GA
A wonderful teacher and a super nice guy. I had him for history at WRHS. My deepest sympathy to his family.
- JoAnn Phillips Bankston, Warner Robins, GA
Coach LaBlanc was a great teacher, coach, and mentor at Groves High School. My condolences to his family. He was an honorable man who served his country with distinction.
- Windell M. Smith, Port Wentworth, GA
I loved Coach LeBlanc since I took his history class in High School, 1961, Warner Robins High. He encouraged me so much and when I was 38 I decided to start college and major in History. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Elon College and I owe much of my interest in history directly to him.
- Nancy Nesbitt Johnson, Concord,, NC
R.I.P. Mr. Lablanc and thank you for your service to our country and schools. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family with hopes that their hearts will be comforted with warm memories and the knowledge that Families are Forever. Tammy Jung - SHS Class of 1980
- Tammy Jung, Kingston Springs, TN
Susan, You were one of my student teachers at White Bluff Elementary School. Sometimes that seems like yesterday. May the fond memories you have of your father help to sustain you during this time of sorrow. Patricia
- Patricia Smith, Savannah, GA
Mr. LaBlanc was truly a good man and mentor..He gave plenty of good advise to me back at SHS class of 78. He will be well remembered...Prayers to all the family..-Shawn-
- Shawn Hobbs, Pooler, GA
Coach LaBlanc had a great impact on a lot of young men in Warner Robins as the basketball coach and teacher. He is spoken of often and with great respect.
- Gary Tolbert, Warner Robins, GA
I have fond memories of Coach LaBlanc as Basketball Coach at WRHS. He was a wonderful mentor to many students & a great coach & teacher. My heartfelt sympathy & prayers go out for his family at this time of such great loss!
- Bonnie Logan Nicholson, Mableton, GA
A wonderful teacher and a super nice guy. I had him for history at WRHS. My deepest sympathy to his family.
- JoAnn Phillips Bankston, Warner Robins, GA
Coach LaBlanc was a great teacher, coach, and mentor at Groves High School. My condolences to his family. He was an honorable man who served his country with distinction.
- Windell M. Smith, Port Wentworth, GA
I loved Coach LeBlanc since I took his history class in High School, 1961, Warner Robins High. He encouraged me so much and when I was 38 I decided to start college and major in History. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Elon College and I owe much of my interest in history directly to him.
- Nancy Nesbitt Johnson, Concord,, NC
R.I.P. Mr. Lablanc and thank you for your service to our country and schools. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family with hopes that their hearts will be comforted with warm memories and the knowledge that Families are Forever. Tammy Jung - SHS Class of 1980
- Tammy Jung, Kingston Springs, TN
Susan, You were one of my student teachers at White Bluff Elementary School. Sometimes that seems like yesterday. May the fond memories you have of your father help to sustain you during this time of sorrow. Patricia
- Patricia Smith, Savannah, GA
Mr. LaBlanc was truly a good man and mentor..He gave plenty of good advise to me back at SHS class of 78. He will be well remembered...Prayers to all the family..-Shawn-
- Shawn Hobbs, Pooler, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
