Donald R. Wambolt, almost 90, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, in
Biloxi. 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, 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, 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, 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, Arizona; Robert F. Wambolt and wife, Toni “Sam” Wambolt of
Bassfield, MS; and Charles B. Wambolt of Long Beach.
Don also has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726
15th Street, Gulfport, on Sunday, March 8, 2020,  open visitation at 1
p.m. followed by a  2 p.m. service; the American Flag and urn was
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.