Donald R. Wambolt

Donald R. Wambolt, almost 90, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2020 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was born in East Dedham, MA, but considered Franklin, MA his hometown. Don retired from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and in 1971, he settled in Long Beach, MS with his wife and three children. Don considered the MS Gulf Coast, specifically Long Beach, to be his home. He joined the Air Force during the Korean War, was a Vietnam War veteran and received many medals of commendation for service to his country. One of his greatest honors was being asked to be the presidents’ personal Audio-Visual Technician in the White House and on Air Force One prior to his retirement at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. While stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, he met his wife, Mary Patricia Morton of Bassfield, MS in 1955 at the White Cap Nightclub and Restaurant in Gulfport harbor. They married in November of 1956 and were married for over forty-five years until her death in June of 2000. Don attained his real estate agent’s license in 1964. He worked at WLOX Broadcasting Company and Bubba Oustalet Ford in the 1970’s. Don graduated from MGCCC and majored in Industrial Arts at USM. Mr. Wambolt was a member of the VFW, American Legion, DAV, and was a major figure in setting up the Volunteer Community Action Committee for the city of Long Beach. He was an active member of the Friends of the Long Beach Library, as well as being a neighborhood watch captain in West Long Beach; the longest standing captain in the city. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Olive Lavine (Hudson) Wambolt and Robert L. Wambolt who came to America from Halifax and Dartmouth, Novia Scotia in the early 1920’s; his wife, Mary Patricia (Morton) Wambolt of Bassfield, MS was the sister of Carolyn (Morton) LaRosa, wife of the late Frank LaRosa. Don was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters of MA. Don is survived by his three children, Donna S. Wambolt Mavis of Phoenix, AZ; Robert F. Wambolt and wife, Toni “Sam” Wambolt of Bassfield, MS; and Charles B. Wambolt of Long Beach, MS. Don also has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, MS on Sunday, March 8, 2020, 1:00 Open visitation & 2:00 service; the American Flag and urn will be presented to his oldest son, Robert. Interment in Bassfield will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations be made to Fatherless and Widows, 207 Klondyke Rd. (P.O. Box 77) Long Beach, MS 39560 (228) 234-4567. Website: www.fatherlessandwidows.org Please View and sign the online tribute at www.bradfordokeefe.com.