Don J. Hairford

Don J. Hairford, loving husband and dog dad to Rowdy, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023, at the age of 73.
Don was born on August 27, 1949 in Dupont, Louisiana. He served in The United States Army and was drafted to serve in Vietnam. Don was a security guard for many years with his longest assignments being at Lamar State College Port Arthur and Huntsman.
Don was passionate about animals and loved hanging out with his German Shepard and best pal, Rowdy. He also enjoyed catfishing, hunting, tinkering in the shed, detailing cars and always being the neighborhood watch. The neighbors would pick with Don and say, they did not need security cameras with him and Rowdy on duty at all times. Don was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, his cut up personality, lack of filter and thick Cajun accent and often referred to as “Coon Ass”.
Don was very quick on his feet with comeback replies for anything thrown his way. One of the funniest comebacks was when he received a call from someone claiming to be the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office asking for a donation. Don told the caller that he had just gotten out of jail because they put him in for ten years and now you want me to give you money. Much to their dismay, the caller hung up! Don was known as a ladies’ man and often considered himself the "Woman Whisperer". No matter where Don was you could follow the laughter and know he was cutting up and making people laugh. While Don was still working, his favorite saying was “what a place.” Above all else Don loved his wife, Arika, but hardly ever referred to her by name, instead he always called her “My Baby”. Don would call her every few hours to check on her and make sure she was okay. Anytime you saw Arika, Don was not far behind.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions in honor of Don J. Hairford may be made to: K9’s For Warriors, INC. at: k9’sForWarriors.org or Pawz4Vets through PAYPAL at: bj@k9texas.com
A funeral service for Mr. Hairford will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, with Full Military Honors to be provided by the Southeast Texas Veteran’s Service Group.