W. Bro. Donald Gary Permenter, District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the 14th Masonic District, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at North MS Medical Center, in West Point, MS at the age of 76.
Don was born July 9, 1937, in Cooksville, Mississippi (Noxubee County) to the late Hazel Beatrice Wilson and Sam Bell Permenter. Don was the Proprietor of “Don’s Drive In” in West Point for 20 years and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Don was a graduate of West Point High School Class of 1955, West Point Masonic Lodge #40 F.& A.M. where he served as Past Master, Secretary and as a Trustee. He was a member of the West Point York Rite Bodies (Chapter #95, Council #15, and Commandry #20) and Order of the Eastern Star.
Don was a member of the Corinth Scottish Rite Bodies where he was a 32nd degree KCCH Mason. He was a member of the KYCH (Knight York Cross of Honor) in Meridian. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He was a member of the Hamasa Shrine Temple, Red Cross of Constantine Knight Mason, Order of the High Priesthood, Thrice Illustrious Master Knight Preceptor. Brother Don Permenter was appointed February 10, 2003, as District Deputy Grand Lecturer for the Grand Lodge of Mississippi.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during 1957-1958. Donald Gary Permenter married Louise Peay Permenter on June 20, 1964, in Wiggins, Mississippi. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 20, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with the Dr. Gary Permenter and Reverend Alan Permenter officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery West Point, Mississippi. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Peay Permenter of West Point; sons, Dr. Gary Permenter of Columbus and Reverend Alan Permenter of Trenton, TN; grandchildren, Daniel Permenter, Caroline Permenter and David Permenter; and sister, Nell Leach of Murfreesboro, TN. His brother, Bill Permenter, preceded him in death. Pallbearers will be Eugene Bailey, Dale Hamlin, Jimmy Duke, James Pettit, Richard Henson, and T. C. Nowell. Honorary pallbearers will be Pop and Coffee Drinking Friends at Robin Hood’s, all Masonic Brethen, MSU Baseball Friends, Charlie Dimino, Jimmy Tedford, Frank Swoope and Dr. Edmund A. Miller, Jr. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631-3356. Visitation will be Friday 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com
