Birth Date: 04/12/1940
Deceased Date: 08/05/2021
Donald Earl Cayton, SFC, U.S. Army Retired, Vietnam Veteran, age 81, passed away on August 5, 2021 in Angeles City, Philippines.
The son of Carl and Margaret Cayton, Donald Earl Cayton was born on April 12, 1940 and grew up in Reidsville, NC. Our dad loved the beach, and his nickname was the “Big Bopper” at Carolina Beach, NC.
At the age of 22 years old, Donald enlisted in the Army and served for 21 Years & 3 Months. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of SFC E7, 25 Infantry Division
Military Awards: Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Campaign Stars, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), Presidential Unit Citation Award, Overseas Service Bars (5), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award) and Army Commendation Medal.
He was a Past Commander & member of American Legion Post 123, Life Member of VFW Post 2485, Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 887 & Past President (Beagle #1) Beagle Organization.
Donald was also the Founder & CEO of Alcoholics With a Mission (A.W.A.M.) in Angeles City. Our dad devoted his time and made sure that the children & their families in the Philippines were taken care of. He touched the hearts of anyone he met. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 47 Years and was the main speaker at AA conferences for 20 years.
Donald Earl Cayton is survived by his daughter, Donna Coats and husband Tony Coats; his daughter, Missy Cayton; his son, Donald Earl Cayton, Jr.; his granddaughters, Carleigh Cayton, Ireland Cayton and Leah Cayton. His brother Joe Hodge and wife Leslie Hodge; his long-time close friend of 40+ years, Jim Lary, and wife Maine. He was a Loving father that was very proud of his children and adored his grandchildren. With love from his family, he will truly be missed.
The family will receive friends at Underwood Funeral Home, 522 S. Bright Leaf Blvd. Smithfield, NC 27577 on December 10, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm. A graveside service, with military honors, honoring the life of Donald Earl Cayton will follow at 2:00 pm in Sunset Memorial Park, 100 NC Highway 210, Smithfield, NC 27577.
On August 17, 2021 partial ashes were laid to rest at Clark Veterans Cemetery in Philippines.
