He was a star fullback for LSU and remains the only Tigers player to lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing with 683 yards on 160 attempts. Later he worked as the head coach at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and played the role of a “steady leader” as Terrebonne Parish President when Hurricane Katrina left many stranded. Yes, we are talking about Donald “Don” Schwab Sr., who passed away following a prolonged illness on Saturday aged 81, his family confirmed.

An LSU graduate, Schwab Sr. was a beloved high school and college coach and the news of his demise has sent the college football community in mourning. Tributes have poured in from those who knew and worked under “Coach” Schwab, with many recalling his impact on the Terrebonne Parish community.

Ordoyne Funeral Home, LLC’s Facebook account revealed the details writing, “Donald P. “Don” Schwab, Sr., 81, died Saturday, October 19, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born April 6, 1943, he was a native of Labadieville, LA, and a resident of Houma, LA. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. until service time at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 pm with burial following at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery #2.”

Schwab Sr. was the youngest of five siblings and graduated from Thibodaux High School in 1961. After joining LSU, he led the Tigers in rushing in 1963 and 1964 and led the SEC in rushing in 1964. He had a career 310 carries at LSU for 1,454 yards and had five career 100-yard rushing games for the school.

He participated in the 1963 Bluebonnet Bowl and competed in the Sugar Bowl in January 1965 where he was the team’s leading rusher. Schwab Sr. also participated in the Cotton Bowl in 1966. The LSU football program has played a huge role in Donald’s personal life as well. He was introduced to his wife, Nancy, through a former player of LSU. He and Nancy have three children, their son Schwab Jr., and two daughters, Kristi Maiorana and Michelle Scarpero.

After his graduation in 1967, he joined Sam Barthe School for Boys in Metairie, taking up a teaching and coaching position in track and football.

He carried on his coaching career at Central High School in Baton Rouge and H.L. Bourgeois High School. Schwab then got a big break after he was appointed as offensive coordinator at Nicholls State University. Vanderbilt then appointed him as head coach, a role that he would hold for two years in 1987 and 1988. Notably, he was able to coach his son during this period.

In a heartfelt tribute to his father and former coach, his son, Donald “DP” Schwab Jr stated, “If success is judged by the kind of impact a person has, then that man was the wealthiest and most successful person he knew.” That is the kind of legacy Schwas Sr. has left. He impacted many lives, beyond his coaching career.

Schwab began his role as the director of the Terrebonne Parish Recreation Department in 1991 after moving on from the Vanderbilts. He also worked for five years as the general manager of HTV, a local news channel in Houma, and served as a case manager for the Terrebonne Parish Drug Court.

From 2004-2008 served as the Terrebonne Parish President. According to Nola.com, “Schwab was a steady leader when Hurricane Katrina brought 11,000 evacuees to Terrebonne Parish in 2005. He later faced more challenges when Hurricane Rita flooded more than 10,000 homes in the parish a month later.” He led the parish and surrounding areas in recovery efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Those who played under him fondly recalled their “Coach” and highlighted how his teachings went beyond the field.

For Donald “Don” Schwab Sr. Terrebonne Parish  always came first

Schwab Jr. feels very fortunate that he could learn from his late father. “It was about getting young boys and turning them into men, making sure they had the necessary tools in life to be successful.” He added, “When you do that the right way, the winning takes care of itself.”

Many of his former players also shared their tributes to the late coach. Stephanie Hebert Dupre, 54, who played softball under Schwab at Vanderbilt said, “He was a fantastic human being who loved kids. He treated everybody the same.” David Drury, 61, whom Schwab coached at H.L. Bourgeois High School said, “He meant the world to me.”

Drury also worked with Schwab Sr. as the Terrebonne Parish Facilities Manager and said his former coach was always concerned about the community. “He said Terrebonne Parish would always come first.” According to his son, Schwab returned to work in drug court and the parish’s Truancy Reduction Program after leaving office, before retiring in 2010.

Under the Ordoyne Funeral Home, LLC’s Facebook post, many people gathered to send their condolences. A follower wrote, “Sending my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. R.I.P. Coach! (H.L.B. Class of ’79).” Another user commented, “Sending prayer to the family I have some great memories of him in high school may he rest in peace.”

The former coach loved his family. He was often seen spending time with his seven grandchildren, who called him “Papa.” He also leaves two great-grandchildren and two great-granddaughters who are on the way, according to his son.