Donald Andreth “Don” Waller

Mr. Donald Andreth Waller, 92, died Saturday, September 14, 2024, at his home in Oxford, MS. The funeral service will be Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Clear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Gerald Shook officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, September 16, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home, and again on Tuesday from 12:00 noon until 1:30 P.M. in West Hall. Burial will follow the service in Clear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Don was born on April 6, 1932, to the late Myrtle Ora Gatewood and Percy Andreth Waller. A lifelong resident of Lafayette County and Oxford, Mississippi, he was known for his countless involvements and contributions to the community. Don graduated from University High School in 1950, before attending The University of Mississippi School of Business.

A member of the Clear Creek community, Don was a neighbor to all. He cared diligently for his land, but cotton was his passion. His discipline was instilled in him by his own father, who passed down not just the land, but his unwavering commitment and stewardship. While each season brought with it long days in the hot sun, endless labor and frustrations, Don still looked upon his cotton fields with pride, feeling grateful to do such honest and rewarding work. Don’s farming success was recognized, earning many accolades including the Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1959, Lafayette County Farm Bureau Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1973, and the Lafayette County Forestry Award in 1985.

He was actively involved in Farm Bureau since 1952, serving on the County Board of Directors, President of Lafayette County Farm Bureau for 16 years, chairman of State Resolutions Committee, chairman of State Cotton Advisory Committee, State MFBF Board of Directors from 1970-71 and 1978-79, Vice President of the Northern District of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation from 1983-88, and finally serving as President of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation from December 1988 until December 1996. When it came to business, Don was stern but fair; generous but cautious; respected but comfortable; traditional but open-minded, approachable and an all-out honest man.

Don and his family were members of Clear Creek Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities over the years. His leadership in the church began at the young age of 27, when he became a Deacon, garnering wisdom from the older generations while creating a legacy of his own. For over 25 years, Don served in various musical ministry roles, proudly leading the choir and church members in congregational hymns as the choir director, singing in the men’s quartet, and performing solos. Serving as a youth leader in the 1960s, the ministry held a special place in his heart, and he devoted much time to mentoring his students both in and outside the church walls. It brought Don great joy to lead them in fun activities, most especially their weekend outings to Sardis Lake, where he patiently taught them how to water ski, but was sure to never keep them out too late that they missed church on Sunday evenings. Don was chairman of the building committee in the 80s, looking after the church with the same careful attention he gave to any task. The small jobs he handled himself, never too proud to change a lightbulb or anything else needed… he rarely delegated. He played a large part in the upkeep of the cemetery, knowing all too well the importance it played in the hearts of many. He was ever-present in his Sunday School class, always willing to share his own wisdom and knowledge, while being humble enough to listen and learn from others. His leadership and opinions were deeply valued and respected at his church.

When his late wife, Patsy, came to him with the idea of starting a funeral home, he offered his wholehearted support and assistance in founding Waller Funeral Home. Don became a licensed funeral director, proudly watching as he and Patsy built their legacy in Oxford. After her passing, he stepped in as sole-owner, continuing to provide the same level of care and service that his wife established.

In all areas of work, whether tending to crops, serving on a church committee, presiding over Farm Bureau, or his work in the funeral home, Don’s ethical standards of care and service never wavered. He believed in never cutting corners, treating everyone with due and equal respect, and always doing the right thing.

In recent years, Don could be found around town in his favorite navy Dickies coveralls, driving his beloved second wife, Mary Lee, as they made their usual stops to pick up the newspaper, visit Chaney’s, and grab lunch at one of their favorite spots. He still tended to his gardens, albeit much smaller than years passed. He watched as new farmers came in to tend the land he once did, witnessed the small town he was born into change and evolve in a myriad of ways, and watched the world do the same. Throughout his 92 years of life, Don allowed none of those things to shake him. The only worry he ever felt was for that of the happiness and well-being of his family. He remained stoic, but kind; independent, but willing to accept help. His love for his family and faith in God stayed with him until the end.

Don had a softness when it came to his three children, Andy, Susan, and Beth. Far beyond their childhood years, they still affectionately referred to him as “Daddy,” and when he welcomed grandchildren, “Daddy Don.” The patriarch of four generations, he was the one all looked to for wisdom and advice. His strength was the pillar upon which they all leaned, and his guiding light the one they all followed.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Patsy Hardin Waller; stepmother, Emma Winter Waller; brother, Gov. William L. Waller, Sr.; and sister, Mildred Waller Burttschell.

Don is survived by his wife of 12 years, Mary Lee Waller; three children, Andy Waller and his wife Linda, Susan Vaughan and her husband, Greg, and Beth Rosson and her husband, Bob; six grandchildren, Mary Beth Smith, Brett Rosson (Kate), Joanna Morgan (Joe), Sally Kate Walker (Jonathan), Chase Waller (Sabrina), and Matt Waller (Alli); 11 great-grandchildren, Murphy Smith, Waller Smith, Houston Morgan, Emma Hardin Morgan, Barron Rosson, Southerlin Rosson, Tom Walker, Rosson Walker, Johnny Walker, Tristen Onweller, Elsa Waller, and one-great-grandson on the way, Baker Waller; one great-great-granddaughter, Dottie Bishop; all of Oxford, MS as well as many nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Clear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 46 County Road 313, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.