Dr Donald Ray Webre

One of the French Quarters most beloved longtime residents, neighbors, and friends sadly left the Quarter that he loved so much for the very last time… Dr. Donald R. Webre.
Don, 77 was a fixture at his St. Peter Street home where he loved to enjoy a martini on his porch at 6 PM each day surrounded by family, neighbors, and friends greeting all who passed the charming bungalow with its ornate gingerbread design. The famous front porch was known as more than just an afternoon cocktail perch for Don because it was equally known for its wondrous Christmas decorations where Don and his longtime companion, Tommye James, pour their “art and soul” into each Christmas. And if you know the porch for Christmas, you probably also know it for Mardi Gras, where friends and family would clamor through the “open gate” to gain a seat for the celebration of the famous Barkus dog parade that passes right out front and to sample Don’s Barkus day feast of hot dogs, homemade chili, and more sides and treats that one can imagine. All made lovingly by Don. When folks think of the French Quarter, they often equate it with rowdy bars and Bourbon Street night clubs, but it is so much more than that to residents who live here. We often think of ourselves as one big family and Don epitomized this close knit “Joie de vivre” in so many ways over countless days. It’s hard to imagine the Quarter without him.
He was born in Baton Rouge, La on July 26th, 1943 to the late Neil Antoine Webre, and Haddie Marie Melancon Webre, survived by brother Neil W. Webre (Annie) Cobbs Creek, VA, and preceded in death by his sister Gail Jock Wheaton, IL. On the professional front, Don was a well-known and respected anesthesiologist. He was reared in Baton Rouge, La, graduated Catholic High School 1961; attended Louisiana State and Loyola University undergraduate; Louisiana State University School of Medicine; internship Earl K. Long Memorial New Orleans; residency Ochsner Foundation Hospital New Orleans. His career in medicine was based on hard work, dedication and kindness earning him achievements as Chief of Anesthesia and later Chief of Staff at Humana Hospital, New Orleans. He pursued a long career in medicine and retired from Ochsner Hospital Foundation New Orleans in 2005.
Don is survived by Tommye James who has loved and lived with Don in their colorful St. Peter street home for 23 wonderful years. The other two loves of his life are his twin daughters Michelle Laney (David), and Lisa Mahaffey (Dave) who brought such everlasting pride and joy to Don. Also adding to the “Gumbo” of this family is Tommye’s son Jeff James, and Don’s granddaughters Amanda, Madison, and Erica Laney who lovingly refer to their grandfather as “Papa”.
Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 in charge of arrangements. Condolences and tributes may be expressed at ww.schoenfh.com
It is often said that French Quarter residents rarely cross Canal Street, but Don’s life crossed countless streets, cities, and lives through his own well lived life filled with happiness, love, friends, and family. And for years to come he will be a beloved presence, in spirit to all of us at 6 PM each evening for cocktails, and of course the Christmas and Mardi Gras seasons. Don’t worry, our dear Don, we’ll save a prime front row seat for you.
CHEERS!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr Donald Ray Webre, please visit our floral store.