Don Ernest Cabangan
Don Ernest Cabangan, 36, of Port Neches, left his family and friends too soon on February 5, 2025. His family and community are devastated by his sudden loss. Don was born on March 5, 1988, in Victoria, Texas to Claire and Ernesto Cabangan.
Don was a beloved son, big brother, adoring uncle, hard-working father, and a loyal friend. His presence was unmistakable and undeniable—both in personality and in stature.
Don graduated from Port Neches – Groves High School in 2006 and followed in his father’s footsteps when he obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree from Lamar University. He worked for Alliance Industrial Group for the past decade as a mechanical engineer.
Claire and Ernie will forever be proud of Don. He shared many loves with Ernie, from work to sports, you could hear them discussing the latest game at any given moment. Although you couldn’t pay him to admit this, Don was the epitome of a “momma’s boy.” He would go to Claire for everything—doctor appointments, relationship advice, help with his children, and would often request homecooked eggrolls for every occasion. Don made plenty of jokes to and about his parents, but everything was out of love as they’d always end in smiles. Between Don, Claire, and Ernie – their pride was mutual in that Don was truly proud to be the son of such hard-working and self-sacrificing parents. He wished to provide them with everything they’d given him.
From his sister, Deanne’s perspective, Don was her iron vault. She could tell him anything – and knew that he wouldn’t tell on her. Instead, he’d often shell out non-judgmental advice that she’d either take or toss depending on if he was serious or just ridiculous. He could bully her until tears fell, but she never doubted how much he loved her. He had the ability to make her cry and laugh at the exact same time – an unexplainable feat. Don and Deanne are complete opposites – yet similar in so many ways, and their sibling relationship can never be replicated.
As an uncle, Donkey Don’s generosity had no boundaries. Before he had his own children, his niece and nephew – Reese and Lucas, were spoiled with every and any gift. Even from across the country, Don would send them outrageous or largely annoying gifts even when Deanne insisted he shouldn’t.
When Don was blessed with children of his own, he worked tirelessly to provide Gabriel and Corley with everything he could. Every sacrifice he made, every long day at work, every moment he spent away from home, was done with one main goal in mind: to ensure Gabriel and Corley had everything they needed to grow up happy, healthy, and together. It was in those moments, with Gabriel and Corley by his side, that Don was his truest self- proud, content, and filled with love. Gabriel and Corley brought true joy to Don’s life that was evident in the way he looked at them.
Many could describe Don as a friend to all and glue that kept people together. His closest would describe him as their brother. Although they’d “try to avoid trouble,” you knew they were always out for a good time and made countless memories that will last a lifetime. Through good and bad, many of Don’s friendships withstood the test of time. His closest friends knew his struggles, he knew theirs, and they supported each other however and whenever they could. Don’s friends were without a doubt his chosen family.
Don’s presence was huge- not just in size, but in the way he filled the room with laughter. No matter what the occasion or holiday, Don could put smiles across every face in any room he walked into. Don’s spirit, filled with love and compassion, will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering support will live on in the hearts of those who cherished him.
Survivors include his son, Gabriel Cabangan and his mother, Morgan Talbot; his daughter, Corley Cabangan and her mother, Tori Shelton; his parents, Claire Puzon and Ernesto Cabangan; his sister, Deanne Piersol and her husband, Blaine Piersol; his niece and nephew, Reese and Lucas Piersol; cousins, aunts, uncles and his chosen family, Ron (Mocheeks), John (Satellite), Ki (Ki Sok), Justin (Eskimo), Clifton (Cliff), Drew (Powder), Kane (Segura), Josh (Eddie), Aaron (Dalton), and Trent (Housecat).
He is preceded in death by his grandparents; Jorge and Nita Puzon and Lucas and Brigida Cabangan.
A gathering of Don’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a prayer and Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday February 14, 2025, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a trust fund that will be set up to support his children, Gabriel and Corley. Please make checks payable to Deanne Piersol. We believe Don would want nothing more than to provide a great life for both and know he will have the best seat in the house watching them grow.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- February 14, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- February 14, 2025
- 6:00 pm
Funeral Mass
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
- 2006, Nall St, Port Neches, TX, 77651,
- February 15, 2025
- 1:00 pm
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
My big cousin Don.
His favorite memory of us is probably the one where he helped me get my first job working for Tokyo Steakhouse during the summers of my freshmen and sophomore year of college. He took me to celebrate on my last day, got me drunk (sorry mom) and fed dollars into a punching bag machine while I yelled about a manager I couldn’t stand. (his name was Casey and he was a bitch!) I think every time we’re together it gets brought up somehow.
One of my most favorite memories would be when I was studying for my finals before graduation, I went to Antonette’s for the weekend and Don had been living there. Instead of getting anything done, I cracked up all weekend laughing with and mostly at him. I thankfully passed – so that weekend of not studying was worth it and if possible even more special to me now.
I try not to exaggerate often, but I think it’s safe to say that Don is and will be the funniest person in my life. He brings out the loudest most obnoxious laughter out of me, and it frequently gives me stomach aches. My videos of him are painful to listen to because most of them have me laughing so loud I’d just feel embarrassed.
In the darkest year of my life, he still brought a light to it that I never expected. This past Father’s Day, my first without my own, Don asked if I’d take photos of him with Gabriel and Corley. I agreed without hesitation. Considering I’ve spent most of our holidays together fighting with him to “freaking smile Don” and “stop making a face” or “give me a good one please” whenever I’d whip my camera out – I jumped to do him this favor. I knew how excited he was to have them together for the first time, and I felt honored to get to capture some of that time for him.
I think he knew it without saying, but I’ve always been proud to be his “little cousin Clarissa”. He’d tell me at different points in my life “damn Issa, I’m proud of you” and I’d always just say “damn, thanks Don” sarcastically and we’d both smile. I told him the same thing when he got his phd in mechanical engineering, and probably jokingly whenever he’d do something while I was around that made Aunt Claire smile. I’d always be like “oh good job Don. Making your mom proud” in a snarky way that got him to mimic or imitate me with the highest voice possible.
I think I could ramble for hours, and it would never capture all Don is, was, and forever will be. He’s too Big. He’s too Don. I miss him and his loss feels so heavy I lose words. And I hate that I’m even having to fucking type this. I’m going to always want one more hug with his arms around my neck and elbow resting on my shoulder. One more ridiculous impression. One more joke about doggy doodoo. One more laughter-filled memory with my big cousin Don.
Ernie, Claire and Deanne we send our deepest sympathies to you all. Keeping each of you in continual prayer. May God bless and comfort you during this very tragic time.
My heartfelt condolences to all of Don’s family and children…Don was an amazing, loving, wonderdul, and supportive friend to my son Ronnie and his brothers. Memories of HS football and through the years seeing Don. Will miss him, his bright smile, and his big hugs.
I’m so saddened to hear this. Don was a great friend to my daughter, Shannon in high school. I called him “the protector” and knew if he was in the group they’d be safe. I charged him with protecting the girls in the group. He was large in stature, and personality. Always polite and caring
The world lost a sweet soul and Heaven gained one.
Don, continue watching over your friends and PROTECT them, as you watch over them from above!
Prayers to the family
Although we hadn’t spoken to each other in years, I know how big of a heart and love Don had for everybody he met. You’re gone too soon man, and you will be missed for sure. I’m praying for your family and close friends who are truly devastated with this news as I definitely am. Love you Donny C, Ernie, Claire, and Deanne.
What an awesome human being. Always a fun time to be around and never seemed to have anything bad to say. He was a good friend and I am so sorry for his family/friends and thinking about them. RIP Don #DONNNNN
Our hearts go out to the family, please accept our deepest condolences.
J & J Tobias
May he rest in peace.
You have soared like an eagle on earth so now rest high with God’s Angels, Don. RIP
I’m sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family.
My son and I will be at both. He was family! He will be greatly missed