Don Ernest Cabangan

Don Ernest Cabangan, 36, of Port Neches, left his family and friends too soon on February 5, 2025. His family and community are devastated by his sudden loss. Don was born on March 5, 1988, in Victoria, Texas to Claire and Ernesto Cabangan.
Don was a beloved son, big brother, adoring uncle, hard-working father, and a loyal friend. His presence was unmistakable and undeniable-both in personality and in stature.
Don graduated from Port Neches – Groves High School in 2006 and followed in his father's footsteps when he obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree from Lamar University. He worked for Alliance Industrial Group for the past decade as a mechanical engineer.
Claire and Ernie will forever be proud of Don. He shared many loves with Ernie, from work to sports, you could hear them discussing the latest game at any given moment. Although you couldn't pay him to admit this, Don was the epitome of a "momma's boy." He would go to Claire for everything-doctor appointments, relationship advice, help with his children, and would often request homecooked eggrolls for every occasion. Don made plenty of jokes to and about his parents, but everything was out of love as they'd always end in smiles. Between Don, Claire, and Ernie – their pride was mutual in that Don was truly proud to be the son of such hard-working and self-sacrificing parents. He wished to provide them with everything they'd given him.
From his sister, Deanne's perspective, Don was her iron vault. She could tell him anything – and knew that he wouldn't tell on her. Instead, he'd often shell out non-judgmental advice that she'd either take or toss depending on if he was serious or just ridiculous. He could bully her until tears fell, but she never doubted how much he loved her. He had the ability to make her cry and laugh at the exact same time – an unexplainable feat. Don and Deanne are complete opposites – yet similar in so many ways, and their sibling relationship can never be replicated.
As an uncle, Donkey Don's generosity had no boundaries. Before he had his own children, his niece and nephew – Reese and Lucas, were spoiled with every and any gift. Even from across the country, Don would send them outrageous or largely annoying gifts even when Deanne insisted he shouldn't.
When Don was blessed with children of his own, he worked tirelessly to provide Gabriel and Corley with everything he could. Every sacrifice he made, every long day at work, every moment he spent away from home, was done with one main goal in mind: to ensure Gabriel and Corley had everything they needed to grow up happy, healthy, and together. It was in those moments, with Gabriel and Corley by his side, that Don was his truest self- proud, content, and filled with love. Gabriel and Corley brought true joy to Don's life that was evident in the way he looked at them.
Many could describe Don as a friend to all and glue that kept people together. His closest would describe him as their brother. Although they'd "try to avoid trouble," you knew they were always out for a good time and made countless memories that will last a lifetime. Through good and bad, many of Don's friendships withstood the test of time. His closest friends knew his struggles, he knew theirs, and they supported each other however and whenever they could. Don's friends were without a doubt his chosen family.
Don's presence was huge- not just in size, but in the way he filled the room with laughter. No matter what the occasion or holiday, Don could put smiles across every face in any room he walked into. Don's spirit, filled with love and compassion, will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering support will live on in the hearts of those who cherished him.
Survivors include his son, Gabriel Cabangan and his mother, Morgan Talbot; his daughter, Corley Cabangan and her mother, Tori Shelton; his parents, Claire Puzon and Ernesto Cabangan; his sister, Deanne Piersol and her husband, Blaine Piersol; his niece and nephew, Reese and Lucas Piersol; cousins, aunts, uncles and his chosen family, Ron (Mocheeks), John (Satellite), Ki (Ki Sok), Justin (Eskimo), Clifton (Cliff), Drew (Powder), Kane (Segura), Josh (Eddie), Aaron (Dalton), and Trent (Housecat).
He is preceded in death by his grandparents; Jorge and Nita Puzon and Lucas and Brigida Cabangan.
A gathering of Don's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a prayer and Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday February 14, 2025, at Broussard's, 505 North 12 Street, Nederland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard's Crematorium, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a trust fund that will be set up to support his children, Gabriel and Corley. Please make checks payable to Deanne Piersol. We believe Don would want nothing more than to provide a great life for both and know he will have the best seat in the house watching them grow.