Don Anthony Vallien, astute businessman, entrepreneur, loving husband and caring father passed unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, May 5, 2019, in Opelousas, Louisiana at the age of 44. Don is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Alishia Richard Vallien and son, Antonio Vallien of Opelousas, LA; his siblings, Angie Fields (Howard “Joe”), Opelousas; Lisa Moore (Ken), Jacksonville, Florida; Gina Readore (Manuel), Opelousas; and Tykee Jackson (Les), Birmingham, Alabama; his father and mother-in-law, Lionel and Gloria Richard; and his sister-in-law Daphne and brother-in-law Isaac “Bo” Richard. Don is also survived by his aunt, Audrey Vallien Noble (Charles) of Houston, TX; three uncles, Andrew Vallien (Theresa) of Natchitoches, LA, Robert Morrison (late, Laura Vallien) of Opelousas, LA and Yefuf Muwwakkil (late, Theresa Vallien) of Atlanta, GA.
He was adored and admired by his nieces and nephews. His parents, John Anthony Vallien and Gloria Louise Clark Vallien, precede him in death. Don was born on December 26, 1974, in Opelousas, Louisiana to the late John and Gloria Vallien.
He attended Grambling State University and earned a degree in Hospitality Management. He also attended Remington College and earned a degree in Electronic Engineer Technician. Don also graduated from Opelousas School of Cosmetology and became a licensed barber.
He opened his barbershop/salon, City of Stylez in 2007, in Opelousas. Don had many talents that he shared with family, friends, and his community. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, charm, and personality that brought out the best in people.
He was a generous, witty, and a honest man who loved people and was passionate about bringing awareness to sickle cell disease. Don’s dedication to making a difference in his community, state, and the world will continue to live through the work he did on Sickle Cell Awareness. He was no stranger to legislators at the capital, where he lobbied for legislation to be passed to legalize medicinal marijuana in support of those with chronic illnesses.
In addition to his advocacy work, he launched a Water Bottle Challenge that gained nationwide recognition. The documentary, “Sickle Cell Warrior” captured his battle with sickle cell, kidney failure, and his “miracle” kidney transplant surgery. Don was not new to the big screen, having had guest appearing roles in television shows, “Queen Sugar”, ‘N.C.I.S New Orleans”, and he can be seen in the NETFLIX hit-movie, “Highway Men”.
As a man of multiple talents, Don also held the title of “Master Craft Barber” earning this title by creating unique and one-of kind hairstyles on young men in and around the Opelousas community. The greatest role Don cherished was that of husband to wife, Alishia and father (role model) to his son, Antonio. Don could be seen camping, fishing, hunting, and teaching his son life skills that will serve him, a lifetime.
He was was an active and dedicated member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Lawtell, Louisiana. He also was an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Council 40, and a former member of the Holy Family Church Choir. He received the honor as 2015-16 “Volunteer of the Year” from Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia, Inc
He was also inducted into the National Association of University Women Black History Hall of Fame in 2016. He served as President of Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell, Inc of Acadiana and spearheaded sickle cell awareness walks in both Opelousas and Lafayette. He also worked in collaboration with St. Landry Parish Children and Youth Services Planning Board for Sickle Cell Warrior Documentary Screening.
He worked at Total Health Care Clinic as executive administrator. Don leaves behind a host of family, friends, and people whose lives have been impacted in some fashion by Don’s compassion. Don also leaves a legacy of work for the sickle cell anemia community as he always said, “It’s not about me; it’s about the sickle cell warriors”.
Viewing is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lawtell, Louisiana from 8:00 am to 10:45am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am. A Rosary will begin at 9:30 am followed by reflections at 10:00 am. Rev.
Borgia Aubespin, SVD will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and to celebrate Don’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fidelity c/o Antonio Vallien College Fund.
go. fidelity.com/wekzp Condolences can be sent to Williams Funeral Home, Opelousas, LA. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.
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