New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Donald Eugene French

Donald Eugene French passed away at his home on May 3, 2017, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Clearfield, Pa., Don was raised in Bowie, Md. He had a strong interest in geology, graphic arts, and printing. Like his father before him, Don entered the printing industry and became proficient in all phases of printing. As the industry changed, he transitioned to printing operations support. Employed by PressTek Corporation through 2016, his clients in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina thought highly of Don’s wealth and knowledge.

Don began fly-fishing as a boy in the Pennsylvania mountains and grew into a knowledgeable bass fisherman. In the 1980’s, Don started French’s Better Baits, which made innovative spinning lures for bass and crappie. His love of fishing led him to live on the Chickahominy River where he was a respected fishing expert, conservation advocate, and valued friend in the community.

An ardent voice for common sense politics and policy, Don loved to debate the issues and frequently wrote Letters to the Editor. Over the past five years, the Richmond Times-Dispatch named him “Correspondent of the Day” many times. Although he was invited to attend their annual celebrations to select the “Correspondent of the Year”, his health did not permit him to attend.

Don is survived by his wife, June French of Lanexa, Va.; mother, Judy French of Shepardstown, West Virginia; brother, James French of College Park, Md.; and many friends in the Lanexa community.

Tributes can be made at Vincent Funeral Home website at www.vincentfh.com.