Donald Wayne Barmore
Donald Wayne Barmore, 73, known as “Donnie,” “Coach,” or “Boach,” passed away peacefully early in the morning on Monday, October 26, 2020.
Donnie devoted his adult life to educating and leading high school and college students, beginning his teaching career at Dubach High School (his alma mater) before moving to Cedar Creek School for a 45 year teaching career, interrupted only by three years as the youth director of Trinity Methodist Church. He retired on May 16, 2019 with proclamations signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mayor Ronny Walker.
Cedar Creek recognized his dedication and loyalty to all things Cedar Creek with a retirement ceremony on May 16, 2019. At the time he retired at 72, he was teaching 5 classes back to back, including two history classes for dual enrollment at his college alma mater, Louisiana Tech University.
When he didn’t bleed Creek green and gold, he bled Tech blue and red. Donnie dearly loved teaching American history, the Founding Fathers, the American West, and the Civil War.
Donnie received his B.A. degree in English and Social Studies in 1969 and his M.A. degree in Social Studies Education in 1974 both from Louisiana Tech University. His thesis was “Hollywood and the Cold War.” Not surprisingly, his lifetime teaching certificate qualified him to teach Social Studies and English, serve as principal and as a supervisor of teaching.
During his time at Cedar Creek, he established and led the Fellowship of Christian Athletes with a prayer breakfast every Wednesday and an FCA lunch meeting every Thursday.
He was deeply involved in the lives of Cedar Creek students serving as trainer and Athletic Director (he attended virtually all the games in every sport), announced the annual homecoming courts, called out student’s names at graduation, designed T-shirts for special events, organized and chaperoned winter senior class ski trips to Winter Park and Breckinridge, Colorado (he even drove the bus!). The group always looked forward to eating at the Big Texan in Amarillo, Texas.
On other occasions, he chaperoned senior class Caribbean cruises and educational enrichment trips to Europe. Closer to home, he chaperoned Sociology class trips to Angola and St. Gabriel State prisons and to the United States Court House in Shreveport.
Donnie shared his unwavering, strong Christian faith and lived a purposeful life. His kids, his students, always came first. A master at mentoring youth, Donnie’s lifelong legacy is reflected and perpetuated by those whose lives he touched.
No one every had anything negative to say about Coach Barmore.
Donnie frequently led football game spectators in prayer before each game. Whether as a trainer, an athlete, Director, mentor, leader, or a teacher, Donnie taught and led by example.
He was predeceased by his parents, Melba Crawford Barmore and S.J. Barmore.
Donnie Barmore is survived by his brother, Michael J. Barmore; his sister, Glynda Barmore Hicks and her husband, Maury; his favorite canine buddy, Taco. His students live on after him.
Visitation will be held from 5- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston.
A graveside service with Rev. Jeff Hoffman presiding will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020, at Colvin Memorial Cemetery in Unionville..
A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2 p.m., led by Dr. Reggie Bridges and Rev. Rolly Walker, at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, LA, where Donnie served as a deacon and youth leader in Temple College Ministries.
It is suggested that those who wish to honor Donnie’s life and legacy, consider making a contribution to the Donnie Barmore Memorial Scholarship fund at Cedar Creek School, 2400 Cedar Creek Drive, Ruston, LA 71270 or Temple Baptist Church College Ministries, 1515 South Service Road, Ruston, LA 71270.
