Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Hey Don, What a run man… I truly hated to see you go. We have been friends for 61 years (1959-2020). As designated by our peers and community, we were for certain ”Twin city quarterbacks.” Let me count the ways: • We are both at 70 years old. Born in 1949. • We both grew up in female headed households. • We both live in the same neighborhood. • We have many of these same friends/associates. • We both attended Swayze elementary school, and play quarterback under Coach Patrick Robinson, and basketball under Coach Laverne Jones. • We both skipped Carroll high school, to • Don and my high school girlfriend were born in November, carol, November 11, and Don, November 22, eleven days apart. • Don wore football jersey number 11 at Richwood High School. • Don and I quit Richwood football team in 1966 at the same time, and returned to play a short time later after Richwood assistant coaches, and our mothDon and Perry” “Twin Quarterbacks” attend Richwood high school, and playing quarterback and baseball under legendary coach Mackie Freeze. • We had the same homeroom teacher, Mrs. Nora Brown. • We were both Richwood under graduates of the class of 1967, and attended historically Black colleges, before you attended NLU. • We both received deferred status from the military, and didn’t have to go to Vietnam. • We scouted girls together who are friends, because we only had one bicycle for transportation. • We had similar beliefs about God, the church, and service to God and mankind. • Don died on my grandson’s birthday, May 11, 2020. ers encouraged us to return. • Don has a daughter named to Deidra, and I have a daughter names Deidre without prior knowledge, or collaboration. • Don has a daughter named Dawn, and my daughter Deidre has a sister named Dawn without prior knowledge, or collaboration. • My favorite cousin’s name is Robert, and Don has a brother named Robert. • Don’s wife is named Glenda, and my soul mate is named Linda. • We both worked for state and local governments (Louisiana training Institute (LTI) and the city of Monroe, LA.) • We’ve both met resistance and reprimands at LTI for challenging LTI’s unfair practices. • We both work through local organizations/ groups and communities, to improve Richwood High School, and our community, and to celebrate notable people within our community. • We both received football letterman jackets during our sopho more year at Richwood high school. • We both received the same football scholarship offers from historically Black colleges, Jackson State, Prairieview, Mississippi Valley, and Arkansas A&M Universities. • We were more than just friends Don, we were brothers by different fathers and mothers. • As I salute you farewell, I pray that God will continue to love, protect and bless you forever, • And bring comfort, joy, good health, peace and prosperity to your family, relatives, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. • Until we meet again Don, rest in peace, and thanks for the 61 years of brotherhood. Thank you God for Don and our long lasting friendship.