Obituary of Donald Keith Lord

Don was born August 20, 1931, in a farmhouse in Gilead, Maine. From the beginning Don was intended for success. In his early years, he received 13 pins for perfect attendance in Sunday school – one for each year. He started playing the trumpet at age 7 and at the age of 12 he began playing for dances with his mother and father (Lord’s Orchestra). He continued to play with Lord’s Orchestra until college (1949). While attending Gould Academy, graduating class of 1949, Don participated in the band, orchestra, chorus, church choir, and track. In the fall of ’49, Don entered the University of Maine as a ROTC Cadet. He was a drum major for ROTC Band – 4 years; a drum major for the University of Maine 100 piece band – 3 years; Choir Director at college church – 3 years; and graduated in 1953 as 2nd Lt. (Army) with a Music degree. In August 1953, Don entered the United States Army as 2nd Lieutenant with the Army Air Defense Artillery, Ft. Bliss, TX. While in the Army, Don had 4 tours of duty: Germany 1957 – 1060; Vietnam 1963 – 1964; Panama 1966 – 1969; and Crete 1970 – 1971. While in Vietnam, he was acknowledged in the center section of Stars & Stripes for Psychological Warfare exploits. Don also continued to purse his love of music while in the Army. He had his own band in Panama for 2 years (1967-1969) called The Saints of Dixieland. The band played for Officers and NCO Clubs, Elks, Moose, etc. In 1973, after 20 years of service, Don retired from the U.S. Army as Lt. Colonel. Don continued to pursue his love of music. In September, 1974, Don joined the Rosie O’Grady’s Jazz Band in Orlando, FL. where he played various festivals in U.S., England, Wales, Scotland, and Holland. In 1994, after 20 years of performing on stage, Don retired to Lord’s Little Acres and Critter Farm. In 2004, he moved to Washington State where he resided until his passing on September, 1, 2009. Don was loved by many. His inspiration will live on. He will be greatly missed. Don is survived by his wife Jenny and her 4 children; sister Janice Mott; brother Dwight Lord; his 5 children by wife Amy Doepp – Don Lord, Jr; David Lord; Catherine Barberi; Carole Quintana; and Jim Lord. He was pre-deceased by his wife Jackie. Don is also survived by many grandchildren from all of the families who were a part of his life. Graveside services will be held October 24, 2009 at Pine Grove Cemetery, West Bethel, Maine (time pending).