Donald Melvin Bogue

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.