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During the annual Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce awards dinner Don Estes, Natchez City Cemetery Director, was recognized as Natchezian of the Year.
Don was appointed Cemetery Director in October of 1998 and he has been very busy in his new position. When he took over he was faced with deteriorating graves, fallen and broken stones, overgrown brush taking over the cemetery and he found the cemetery was strapped for funds.
As Don began work at the cemetery he found the going very tough with the meager budget he had to work with, but he and the grounds crew did what they could. With his background in the banking industry Don knew he would have to find additional funding if much progress was going to be seen.
In an effort to continue and expand the much-needed work Don, along with others, began to seek funding sources and he originated the “Angels on the Bluff” tour. This annual event, held each October, has grown in popularity each year and has generated funds that allow Don and the grounds crew to make many needed repairs at the Natchez Cemetery.
Over 20 major stones have been restored, wrought iron gates and fences have been painted, and deteriorating brickwork is being repaired along with cleaning of fences and landscaping improvements.
Concerning the overgrown areas of the cemetery Don said, “When we began clean up of the overgrown areas in the cemetery we were surprised to find graves that we didn’t know existed”. He went on the say, “Even today we are still finding some graves that were hidden by the overgrowth in fringe areas of Catholic Hill.”
Congratulations Don, you have done an outstanding job at the cemetery and we’re proud to have you taking care of one of Natchez’s cherished landmarks.
To read more about Don’s award and the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce awards dinner please visit the Natchez Democrat. |
