Ladon "Don" Patrick Gilmore, 76, of Houma, Louisiana, passed away on September 22, 2026. He was born on September 10, 1950, in Pensacola, Florida, to his mother, Eugenia "Jane" Bilokonowa Gilmore, and his father, Ralph Oliver Gilmore Jr.

Don grew up moving between different states as his father served in the military, until the family settled in the New Orleans area in 1958. He went on to settle in Thibodaux, where he raised his family, before moving to Houma later in life.

Don graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, in May 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He also became the second licensed retort operator in the State of Louisiana. He spent the first half of his career as an insurance salesman for Commonwealth Insurance and the second half working as a crematory operator for Samart Funeral Home.

Don was a lifelong, devoted fan of the New Orleans Saints and watched every televised Saints and LSU football game possible. He was also an avid reader who loved anything and everything fiction, with a special fondness for the works of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, the adventures of Mack Bolan, and Spider-Man comic books. Don loved Mardi Gras, a celebration that brought him great joy and many lifelong memories. Don also loved to fish and some of his greatest memories were fishing with Beth's dad and her brother "Rambo."

Don is survived by his fiancée, Beth Powell, and her daughter, "K.P."; his son, John Gilmore, and daughter-in-law, Christine, along with their children, Chloe and Logan; his brother, Paul Gilmore and wife Alice; his brother, Mike Gilmore and wife Charlotte; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; his pet cat and feline best friend, Abigail "Abbie." Don is preceded in death by his parents.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Devin Bourgeois, Dr. Pradeep Nair with CIS, Dr. Tewilliager “Dr. T.” with Gulf Coast Orthopedics, the staff at The Oaks of Houma and St. Catherine's Hospice.

"I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the race."