Donald M. DUCHARME

On December 19, 2005, Donald M. Ducharme entered eternal rest and joined his life mate, Dody, who preceded him in death in 2003. Don was born on October 27, 1921 in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, the fourth of twelve children of Albert and Loria Ducharme. In 1939, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard and was activated in 1940. While on duty in Texas, he met Doris E. White and they were married in Palacios, Texas on June 21, 1944. In September of 1944, Don shipped out to the European front and saw his first action in December in the Ardennes, Belgium where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. After the War, he continued on active duty with tours in Panama, Ft. Knox, KY, Okinawa, and Vietnam. In the mid-50s he served a tour with the Central Intelligence Agency in Southeast Asia. He retired from the Army in 1963 and then began work in the Aerospace Laboratory at Brooks AFB until his second retirement in 1977. While there, he had the opportunity to work with the Gemini and Apollo astronauts. Don is survived by his five sons and five precious daughters in law: Jean (Billie), Jon (Starr), Jay (Patty), Jim (Neva) and Joe (Mary). Additionally, he leaves 12 adoring grandchildren: Justin Lane, Joy (John), Jason (Tricia), Justin Marc (Brittany), Jean Jr. (JJ) (Cherrise), Shera Lee, Jody, Jenny, Adam, Jared (Rochelle), Jessica and Jordan along with 4 great-grandchildren: Marlee, Joli Marie, Whyatt, and Mia. A Mass of Remembrance will be conducted on Thursday, December 22nd at 11:00 AM. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church on Lord Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Benedict's Catholic Church or a hospice of your choice.