Donald Melvin Bogue
May 29, 1942 ~ September 15, 2020
Born in:
Warren, OH
Resided in:
Stone Mountain, GA
Donald Melvin Bogue, 78, has slipped the surly bonds of earth. He is finally free of medical interference in his life, and we are sure he is delighted. His passing was sudden yet gave his family time to say goodbye.
Don was born in Warren, Ohio in 1942 and grew up in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky and Alabama.He is a 1960 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama.He attended Auburn University to study broadcasting production and aeronautical engineering. He became a pilot through Air Force ROTC and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, USAF,upon graduation in 1964.
Don was a true patriot who believed in country, duty, honor, and integrity. He served 21 years in the US Air Force performing operational flying and wing operations staff duties in the United States, Guam, Thailand, Japan, Australia, Greenland and the United Kingdom.He flew 279 B-52 combat missions in Vietnam, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 13 Air Medals. He retired as a Major in 1986 with an aeronautical rating of Command Pilot.
After retiring from the Air Force he worked in radio broadcasting, films and television series, and voice-over advertising.He started his own business – Don Bogue, Artificer – in Atlanta in 1990, supplying props and special effects for theatre companies, dance companies, trade shows, schools and television production.In addition, he served as Production Manager for Atlanta Lyric Theatre and as Technical Director for Ballethnic Dance Company.
In 1996 he joined the Atholl Highlanders Pipes and Drums USA of Stone Mountain, Georgia as Drum Major and devoted his heart, talent, and countless hours to this great band.Drummie will be missed by these friends, who are invited to raise a glass in his honor while reading this.
Don possessed a dry sense of humor, an often-hidden love of puns and wordplay, and a scowl that could punctuate a joke or wither the soul of the fools he did not suffer gladly. He enjoyed Guinness (in an unchilled glass), old scotch, cigarillos, travel to the UK, and his grandchildren.
He leaves behind devoted sister Kathleen, daughter Dona Michelle Bogue-Trost (Nate), who was given his initials if not his entire name, Elizabeth Renee Minor (David) who gave him his first grandsons, and grandchildren Michael (Erin) and Matthew (Jessica) Minor, Rachel Ruller, and Jacob Trost, as well as his adored great-grandson Jacob Minor. Also left behind and bewildered are Gordon and Flora, his cats whom most of the family has never seen.
In accordance with his wishes, there is no public funeral or memorial gathering. Family and friends are encouraged raise a glass to toast Don’s life in a manner worthy of the man. If you wish to make a charitable donation in his honor, please consider writing a check to the Atholl Highlanders Pipes and Drums USA, care of John Rose, 3287 Remembrance Trace, Lawrenceville, GA 30044.
Don’s final resting place will be in Montgomery, AL, once again near his parents after roaming the world.
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To Don’s Family, including his Atholl Highlander Family:
Though I didn’t know Don for long, I knew him long enough to understand he was the heart and soul of the Band, and I cried when I heard he had passed.
Though he was short, he was always tall in my eyes, especially when leading the band.
Though he was a commander,he was also a friend to all, even to this funny looking Scottish guy, named McGonagle.
I loved hearing his stories and his limericks,as he sipped his Guinness, even though he could make a sailor blush.
I shall always remember his toast to the Band. “Who’s like Us”? Of course, No One, because Don was one of a kind.
Cliff and I toasted to Don’s memory Tuesday night, shortly after he passed. This time, the last part of the toast was suddenly very bitter and hard to do, as you can imagine, if you’re an Atholl.
So. Who’s Like Don? No one.
But he made his mark on life and shared that life with all of us. And that’s a blessing that I’ll always treasure.
Cliff and I are so thankful to have been able to share these memories with Don and with all of you.
And we want to wish all of you good health and joy, as long as you have life, even though, eventually, we all must part.
So. Sláinte! A Parting Glass! To Don!
Sincerely,
Becky (and Cliff) Blackman
THINKING OF THE FAMILY DURING THESE DAYS AND PRAYING FOR PEACE AS YOU REMEMBER DON AND THE LIFE HE SHARED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I was in high school and college with Don. We lost contact for 50+ years before I found he lived here in Stone Mountain . For some reason we never made contact here, which I shall always regret. I heard of his drum corps activities but only recently heard of his military and business interests. He was a man of the world, but settled here in Stone Mountain. Though I haven’t seen him in so many years, I will always miss him. Our days in Montgomery and Auburn will keep us connected as our classes grow smaller every year. RIP, My Friend.
I knew Don as a member of the Air Force at Barksdale AFB. He was a Renaissance man. He taught me how to love Scotch and Bourbon. Condolences to his family.
I was on Don’s crew at Mather AFB for several years. He was always happy, though serious when it came to flying. I enjoyed his friendship and mentoring. We spent time together in Thailand and Guam during those times. Note that our Squadron Commander at the time wrote a book about the B-52 operations and specifically highlighted Don as a true professional. I am sorry to be so late in passing my condolences, but 50+ years puts a bit of space between contacts. Ironically both the copilot and navigator that served with us on that crewhave also “departed the fix”.. RIP my friend