Donald H. Vines
June 13, 1934 ~ September 14, 2010
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).
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Danette, I hold you in my prayers during this sad time for you and your family. I pray for God's strong arms to hold you and bring you deep peace.In Christ's love,Judy Ferguson
Danette, my love to you and your family during this difficult time. Terri Henneke
Danette,Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope you take comfort in many warm memories of your time with this man and the countless lives he touched during a life of service and compassion. Beth
Debbie, so sorry to hear you lost your father. I have memories of your mom and dad from high school. Hope you find peace in knowing he led a full life.Vicky
DR. RANDY HUDSON, CONNIE, ERIN, ROXANNE AND ERIN – WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MRS. VINES AND FAMILY ON YOUR LOSS OF DR. VINES. WHAT A GENTELMAN HE WAS. WE SHALL MISS HIS SMILE AND KIND NATURE. HE KNEW US ALL BY NAME AND WOULD SPEND TIME ASKING US HOW WE WERE AND WHAT WAS GOING ON IN OUR LIVES.. IN EVERY WAY HE WAS A MAN THAT WALKED IN THE WAY OF THE LORD .. WE SHALL MISS HIM DEARLY
Dr. Vines was a wonderful human being. He did two major surgies on my stomach in 1980 and 1981. By the Grace of GOD, he was such a wonderful suregon. What a servant of GOD and Country. Peace with Dr. Vines and his entire family. PEACE and COMFORT to each of you.
I am a retired Operating Room nurse and had the pleasure of working with Dr Vines when he worked at Memorial and at Surgicare. I enjoyed his stories of family and his army adventures. I enjoyed his teaching and as we use to call him Polly Parrot cause he never stopped talking and always wanted to know well Susy Q what is the latest? He would say as he walked in the room with his hands scrubbed. I know that he is sharing a wonderful spot with Jesus and holding one for you Mrs Vines cause he would say yes indeed she is my gal.. Love ya. Susy Courville
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Vines at Medical Arts. I did his transcription work and he always had a kind word of praise for me. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you all.
I had the privilege to meet Dr. Vines here in Kerrville. He was truly a Southern Gentleman in all aspects! I feel blessed to have had that opportunity. My condolences to your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially my dear friend, Danette. My heart goes out to you and know that I am here for you…
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr Vines daughter Danette during the last few years. I know that the loving care she shows for her students is the natural extension of the love between Danette and her father.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Vines. I did however hear about his wonderful life through his daughter Dr. Danette Vines. This man was a patriot and an example of service in action. I know that his commitment to service has been passed on because I see it every day in Danette. What a wonderful testament and legacy that he leaves behind. My condolences , love, and prayers to Danette and the Vines family.
I worked in the operating room @ St Patricks Hospital from 1976-1990.Dr vines was always a gentleman even when things got tough in the OR.He was indeed a fine genlteman and surgeon.I know that you find consolation in knowing that he is with Our Lord and has no pain or suffering.
I'd gotten to know Dr. Vines over the past several years when he'd come for his dental appointments. He always had such a warm and friendly presence about him. I loved hearing his stories about his kids and grandkids. He loved and adored each and every one of you. I know he will be missed by our staff as well. May the grace of God be with you through your difficult time.
My condolences to the Vines family, especially Dr. Danette Vines. You are your fathers daughter and always will be. Remember, I am here for you whenever you need to talk.
My heartfelt sympathies to you all. My thoughts often go back in time to those carefree days on North Royal Street. Dr Vines will be forever remembered by those who knew him and loved him. Love to you all,Beverly
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you allLove Peggy
Regardless of our age,Regardless of the quantity in years,And regardless of the quality of our relationships,We never grow out of the need for our fathers.Our parents shape our roles and beings,And provide mirrors of ourselvesThat we will accept or shapeAs we can.May you find strength for your life here without himAnd comfort in Life that creates and moldsThe image of Father within us all.
The legacy of a great man is in the people he reaches and the people he inspires. Surely Dr. Vines healed many people in body and spirit. And surely his children shine on from the lives he inspired them to live. Danette, we hold you especially in our prayers. You are following his example in a life of service to others. You honor his memory by the person you are.
The love that Danette has for her Father is a living witness of his greatness. My thoughts and prayers of comfort, peace, and consolation are with you.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort and keep you. He is with you, always.
Today driving home from a hospital meeting, the name Don Vines flashed and I vowed to call him (8-17-16) To my sad dismay, he is gone and I stand to say in my long career, part of which was the 67-68 year at Fort Ord as surgeons, I have not met many as compassionate, talented, caring, devoted and loyal. Don was simply, "the best". Lovingly, Dr. John Baldwin