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Donald E. Exner
April 16, 1937 ~ August 27, 2017 (age 80) 80 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Stephen Waak (Don'd Nephew)
September 10, 2017 2:45 PM
Here is a copy of the eulogy that I gave during Don's funeral services
A Tribute to Don Exner
Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming today to celebrate my uncle Don’s life. My mother, Don’s sister, ask me to say a few words about Don.
I’m Stephen Waak, Don’s oldest nephew. I was also his favorite. My brothers or sisters may disagree, but that’s fake news.
Don grew up with his parents, William and Edna, his older brother, Bill, and younger sister, Pat, in the American University Park neighborhood of Washington D.C. near Tenleytown. He attended St. Ann’s Grade School at his parish in Tenleytown and St. Johns High School. It was Notre Dame’s loss that Don decided to attend the Catholic University of America for college and law school. He stayed involved with his alma maters as an active member of the St. John’s and Catholic U alumni associations.
Don was “a poor man’s lawyer”. He spent most of his career as an attorney defending the lesser among us. Defending juvenile delinquents and later clients that were abused or had special needs as their court appointed advocate. He was always looking after someone else and helping out whenever he could. Don took to heart Churchill’s quote "We make a living by what we get: we make a life by what we give." Don lived his faith every day.
Don enjoyed competitive sports starting in CYO at St. Ann’s Parish. He played baseball and basketball in high school and college, being chosen as an all-conference center fielder in his senior year at Catholic U. He later turned his competitive spirit to golf and tennis. Every spring he’d tell his brother-in-law, John, and his nephews that he had a new club or that he’d been practicing his swing and they were in for it now. There was a lot of competition on the course as everyone wanted bragging rights. Don also provided his nephews a steady supply of used tennis balls which we put to good use.
Don enjoyed Sunday dinners in Bowie with my parents, Pat, John, and his six nieces and nephews (Sandy, Terry, Brian, Darren, Karen and of course his favorite. Many afternoons were spent playing basketball with his brother Bill, John and the rest of the Waak family before enjoying Sunday dinner. We called it the WNBA for Waak or Weekend Basketball Association. Don and Bill also joined the Waak’s on a number of their family vacations.
We were always grateful at holiday dinners for Don’s contributions of an aluminum foil lined shoe box filled with yummy homemade chocolate chip cookies. He also made a delicious eggnog that was spiked with the perfect amount of alcohol.
Don was also very involved over the years with the Catholic Alumni Club (CAC) and served as their president and legal advisor. He’d frequently attended their summer conventions throughout the United States where he’d enter their tennis tournaments. Don also enjoyed going Dewey Beach with some of his friends from the CAC where they’d relax and enjoy batches of Don’s fried chicken.
My mother received a note from my mother-in-law that she feels described her brother very well. “His cheerful manner and gentle ways will be what I remember along with his baking skills that he always shared at family parties”.
We will miss you, Don, but you are at peace with the Lord and enjoying eternal life in heaven where all of us hope to join you some day and share some chocolate chip cookies. And save a tee-time for us.
A Tribute to Don Exner
Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming today to celebrate my uncle Don’s life. My mother, Don’s sister, ask me to say a few words about Don.
I’m Stephen Waak, Don’s oldest nephew. I was also his favorite. My brothers or sisters may disagree, but that’s fake news.
Don grew up with his parents, William and Edna, his older brother, Bill, and younger sister, Pat, in the American University Park neighborhood of Washington D.C. near Tenleytown. He attended St. Ann’s Grade School at his parish in Tenleytown and St. Johns High School. It was Notre Dame’s loss that Don decided to attend the Catholic University of America for college and law school. He stayed involved with his alma maters as an active member of the St. John’s and Catholic U alumni associations.
Don was “a poor man’s lawyer”. He spent most of his career as an attorney defending the lesser among us. Defending juvenile delinquents and later clients that were abused or had special needs as their court appointed advocate. He was always looking after someone else and helping out whenever he could. Don took to heart Churchill’s quote "We make a living by what we get: we make a life by what we give." Don lived his faith every day.
Don enjoyed competitive sports starting in CYO at St. Ann’s Parish. He played baseball and basketball in high school and college, being chosen as an all-conference center fielder in his senior year at Catholic U. He later turned his competitive spirit to golf and tennis. Every spring he’d tell his brother-in-law, John, and his nephews that he had a new club or that he’d been practicing his swing and they were in for it now. There was a lot of competition on the course as everyone wanted bragging rights. Don also provided his nephews a steady supply of used tennis balls which we put to good use.
Don enjoyed Sunday dinners in Bowie with my parents, Pat, John, and his six nieces and nephews (Sandy, Terry, Brian, Darren, Karen and of course his favorite. Many afternoons were spent playing basketball with his brother Bill, John and the rest of the Waak family before enjoying Sunday dinner. We called it the WNBA for Waak or Weekend Basketball Association. Don and Bill also joined the Waak’s on a number of their family vacations.
We were always grateful at holiday dinners for Don’s contributions of an aluminum foil lined shoe box filled with yummy homemade chocolate chip cookies. He also made a delicious eggnog that was spiked with the perfect amount of alcohol.
Don was also very involved over the years with the Catholic Alumni Club (CAC) and served as their president and legal advisor. He’d frequently attended their summer conventions throughout the United States where he’d enter their tennis tournaments. Don also enjoyed going Dewey Beach with some of his friends from the CAC where they’d relax and enjoy batches of Don’s fried chicken.
My mother received a note from my mother-in-law that she feels described her brother very well. “His cheerful manner and gentle ways will be what I remember along with his baking skills that he always shared at family parties”.
We will miss you, Don, but you are at peace with the Lord and enjoying eternal life in heaven where all of us hope to join you some day and share some chocolate chip cookies. And save a tee-time for us.
A BASKET GARDEN was sent on September 7, 2017
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear brother and loving uncle. Your memories will always be a reminder of Don at his best. Now he's at peace and resting in God's gentle embrace. Much love to all of you. Ann Marie and Family.
A candle was lit by Karen Miller
on September 6, 2017 7:43 PM
That's the face I remember!! I spent many years enjoying Don's company at our group beach house in Rehoboth Beach, DE. We could always count on a great weekend of spirited conversation, political and sports discussions, exploring new restaurants, a game of croquet, and maybe even a trip to the beach! You will be missed, Don. Rest in peace. Karen
That's the face I remember!! I spent many years enjoying Don's company at our group beach house in Rehoboth Beach, DE. We could always count on a great weekend of spirited conversation, political and sports discussions, exploring new restaurants, a game of croquet, and maybe even a trip to the beach! You will be missed, Don. Rest in peace. Karen
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