Donald H. Vines

Dr. Donald Hoyt Vines, M. D. F.A.C.S., Retired Colonel U. S. Army, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family.

Dr. Vines was a native of Lake Charles/Westlake area. After graduating from LSU Medical School in 1959, Dr. Vines served as a staff surgeon and chief of staff for many years in the U. S. Army, serving both in Vietnam and Desert Storm. During his tenure, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (Vietnam and Desert Storm) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring to the private sector, Dr. Vines served as Staff Surgeon at St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Humana Hospital, and Director of Surgical Operations at the Medical Arts Group. He co-founded the Lake Charles Cancer Center. Dr. Vines was a diplomat of the American College of Surgeons and recently received an award for his 50 years service to the medical profession by the Louisiana State Alliance Medical Society. Dr. Vines is a Penultimate advocate for all veterans his entire career, and is a lifetime member of the Military Officer's Association of America. Dr. Vines will be deeply missed by all whose lives he has touched. "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." Psalm 130: 5

Dr. Vines was an avid sportsman, who started his love for sports as a basketball and football star for Westlake High school. He attended Texas AM on a basketball scholarship. He also loved to fish and play golf. These skills he passed on to all his children who he taught to fish, swim, play golf, and in general, learn to be good sportsmen. Without a doubt, he loved his family. A typical Sunday, after church, was spent gathering around the TV and watching the Saints play. Dr. Vines also loved gardening. His backyard was a testament to his love for planting flowers and vegetables. He believed what you sow you shall also reap.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Dolores Cosby Vines; three children, Donald H. Vines, Jr. and wife Peggy, Dr. Danette Vines Conway and husband Dr. Greg Conway, and Deborah Kaye Vines-Lowe and husband James; seven grandchildren, Nicole, David, Rawley, Daphne, Kelsey, Hunter, and Anna Marie. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Hoyt and Lillian Aileen Vines, his son, David Anderson Vines, and his grandson, Floyd Lane Cooper, III.

His funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 17, 2010 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Gregory Bath will officiate. A graveside service with full military honors will be in Lewis Cemetery in DeRidder at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, and continue from 9:00 AM until time of service in the funeral home.

The Vines' family wishes to thank Harbour Hospice, Dr. Thomas McCalla, Dr. Robin Rougeau, Dr. Tom LeBeau, Dr. Arthur Primeaux, and Mrs. Donna Vinchere (Christus St. Patrick Hospital).