Donald Edward Chavanne

Donald Edward Chavanne, 88, of Lake Charles passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. Don was raised in Metairie, La and spent his early years visiting his grandparents' home in Welsh, La most weekends and summers. He graduated from Rice University in Houston, and Tulane School of Law in New Orleans. Don was an Elder and long- time member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles. He sang in the choirs of St. Andrew Presbyterian and The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd under the direction of Dr. Fred Sahlmann. He sang in the Masterworks Chorale for many years. He was a member of the Calcasieu Kiwanis Club, member and Past President of the Lake Charles Symphony, and member of Downtown Development in its early years. He also managed the Chavanne Building in Downtown Lake Charles. He was a member of the Louisiana Bar Association. He practiced law in Southwest Louisiana for 60 years.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Janis Irvin Chavanne of 49 years of marriage. He is survived by his son Edward Irvin Chavanne, and his daughter Carole Eugenie Chavanne, both of Lake Charles. He is also survived by his sister Jane Chavanne Hays and husband Robert Southey Hays, Jr. of Lake Charles and their children.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Winfield Little, Jr. and Dr. Everette Schneider for their many years of friendship with our father.
His Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Welsh, La on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 at 11 a.m.