Donald Keith Weems

Donald Keith Weems, more affectionately known as Don, The Don, Captain Don, The Little General, and D. K. Dub to his friends, passed away early Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Don fought a five-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Anyone who knew him witnessed the courageous and hard-fought battle he waged against that vicious disease. Until he got sick, Don was simply bursting with life. And even after his diagnosis, he persevered valiantly. Many mornings he would have chemo treatments, and then you could find him later that same day doing what he loved best, greeting customers at WaterFront Grill. Don had a truly admirable work ethic, no matter how sick or exhausted he might feel. His list of accomplishments is great, and his friends innumerable.
Don started his career at NLU (ULM), where he earned his BBA and MBA, and served in various roles from 1976 until his retirement in 1999. His positions at the university included: Coordinator of School Services; Director of Alumni Affairs; Associate Director of Development; Associate Director of University Advancement; Director of Admissions; and Instructor of Economics and Marketing. During his employment at NLU/ULM, he earned many accolades and awards, including: the ULM Service Award, the ULM Golden Arrow Award, the ULM Scoggins Award, the Garland Shell Award, and the Golf Team Partner/Wallace Jones Award. Weems acted as an advisor for several campus groups, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma, and was the founding father of ULM’s 31 Ambassadors (NLU 31). He also played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the Prep Staff on ULM’s campus. His ability to breathe life into student life was remarkable. He was integral in the development of the popular tailgating area known as The Grove, and well-loved events that have become annual traditions, such as Oozeball and Chili Cookoff. Throughout his years at ULM, Don also served as Alumni Association President, President of the Booster Club, as well as being an Alumni Association Life Member, ULM L Club Member, and ULM Golf Team Partner Member.
Upon his retirement from ULM, Don became an entrepreneur in the restaurant business as co-owner of WaterFront Grill on the bayou. As with everything else, Don approached this endeavor with the same vibrant dedication as his previous career in higher education. After opening the restaurant, he soon became active in the Louisiana Restaurant Association, serving as Vice Chair and Secretary before becoming Chair of the organization in 2007. He also served as Chair of the LRA Education Foundation, and was awarded the Presidential Leadership Award. His highest honor as an entrepreneur was receiving the prestigious Louisiana Restaurateur of the Year Award in 2002.
Don Weems was well-known around town, and he thrived off of helping others. His commitment to North Louisiana was evident in his active involvement with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Ouachita, and Northern Exposure. He enjoyed many years as a member of the Optimist Club, and was twice honored as Optimist of the Year.
Throughout his careers at both NLU/ULM and WaterFront Grill, Don touched countless lives. He befriended legions of people, always treating those in his presence with the utmost respect and dignity. A dear friend, beloved mentor, educator, and employer to so many folks over the decades, Don will be fondly remembered and deeply missed for many years to come. He was a tremendous human being of the most commendable character, the best of the best.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Doris Weems, and special friend, travelling companion, crawfish boiling partner and golfing buddy, Rick Owens.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, DeWanda (Dee) Weems, son W. Clay Weems and wife Amy, and daughter Anna Weems Sawyer and husband Brad, as well as cherished grandchildren Connor and Jack Sawyer, and Ella Weems. His grandchildren were the light of his life and his reason for waking up each day, and they will miss their “Pop” dearly. Don also leaves behind his two brothers, Ron (Rose) and Sam (Jane), and his two sisters, Martha Richey (Ron) and Cheryl Harding (Glen), as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don always made his family a top priority.
A memorial service celebrating Don’s joyous life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at North Monroe Baptist Church, with visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. prior to the service. Rev. Warren Eckhardt will officiate the service, and the Honorable Jeff Thompson will deliver the eulogy.
ULM announced this fall that they will build a new Alumni Center in the coming year and will honor Don, along with his former boss and mentor Billy Laird, for their untiring devotion and hard work by naming the center after the two of them.
Memorials may be made in support of the forthcoming Laird-Weems Center at ULM online at www.ulm.edu/weems or mailed to the address below.
Mailing address:
ULM Foundation and Alumni Relations, re: Laird-Weems Center
700 University Ave.
Monroe, LA 71209