Donald Tufts (7-13-09) services 7-18-09

Donald Mansfield Tufts was born in New Haven, Conn., on May 2, 1922, to Edward and Hazel Tufts. He passed away in Shreveport, La., on July 13.  His father died while he was an infant and he was raised by his mother. He was the youngest of four sons, one of whom died as a young child. Growing up in Connecticut, he was an active youth playing in sports with his brothers and helping his mother with work at the house. He graduated from the University of Connecticut and received a Master’s degree in forestry from Yale University with honors. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. He also was preceded by his brothers, Malcolm, Carl and Howard Tufts. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Tufts; his three children and their spouses, Robert and Cindy Tufts, Joanne and Bob Holladay with granddaughter Madison, and Nancy and David Smith with granddaughter Brandi Porch and great-grandson Walker Porch. He also leaves his favorite niece, Lynn Tufts and her spouse, Harvey Remer, and many friends in Connecticut, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana. He served in the Army Air Corps during the Second World War and Korea as a pilot and navigator. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross while in the Pacific theater. He also served in the reserves during peacetime. After his military service, he had a distinguished career in forestry. He worked in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana finally retiring from International Paper Company at its Pineville Craft mill in Pineville, La. Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Tennessee where they lived on Pickwick Lake and made many friends around the area. He served on the Bruton Branch volunteer fire department and was a member of the Savannah Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed researching his genealogy with his brother, Howard and was involved with the Tufts Kinsman Association for many years. He loved to travel to different places around the world and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed living on the lake and water sports, waterskiing in his 70s. A graveside service was held on Saturday, July 18, at White Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Pickwick Park Tennessee.  Though he goes to greater life ahead, he will be missed by all who love him and have known him through his life.