Don Allen McZeal

Don Allen McZeal was born to Annie Mae and Robertson McZeal on January 4, 1950. 

Don accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age and was baptized at Greater Live Oak Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA under the leader ship of Pastor J. W. Rhodes.  Several years later, the family moved their membership to Mount Calvary Baptist Church in 1965 under the leader ship of Pastor Horace C. Allison where Don remained a member. 

At a very early age, Don’s parents noticed his obsession with the piano and with music.  As soon as they were able, they purchased a piano and Don began piano lessons. 

Don was educated in the public school system in Calcasieu Parish.  He attended McNeese State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree.  He taught music in Calcasieu Parish for over 40 years. 

At the age of about 19 years old, Don founded the first area community choir in Lake Charles, appropriately named The Voices of Zion.  This choir was the epitome of gospel choral singing.  Their singing engagements took them throughout the states of Louisiana and Texas.  When the Voices of Zion sang, lives were changed, souls were given to Christ, hardened hearts were melted, in other words, God moved in a mighty way!! The Voices of Zion sang songs of zion for over 10 years. 

Don served for many years as music director for the Area Wide Baptist Youth Week and the Seventh District Association. 

He has served the as a choir musician and director for several churches spanning many years.  He directed the Annual Woman’s Day Chorus at Mount Calvary Baptist Church for over 20 years.  He was musician and choir director at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church for 50 years.  Don also served as musician and choir director at Reeves CME Temple for over 50 years until the time of his death.  Additionally, Don was serving at Union Baptist Church in Jennings, LA and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles, LA at the time of his death.

Don never withheld any of the gifts God gave to him.  He honored God each and every time he stood.  He didn’t mind being sweat soaked, he didn’t mind shouting, he didn’t mind singing a song as long as the spirit of God led him, he didn’t mind giving everything to God that God gave to him.

He leaves to cherish his memories forever, four sisters, Dorothy Smith of Schertz, TX, Jerri Rayford of Apple Valley, CA, Gail Evans of Scott, LA, and Annette Thomas of Lafayette, LA.  He also leaves his “son” Jeffrey McZeal of Houston, TX whom he has always loved dearly from the day he was born.  He leaves behind a host of family, friends, and loved ones. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, R. J. and Raney McZeal, and two sisters, Velma Johnson and Fannie Bush.

The Service will be livestreamed at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Lake Charles Facebook page.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don Allen McZeal, please visit our floral store.