Donald W Baubles

Donald W. Baubles (known to many as DB) was born on February 13, 1946, in Newark, NJ passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021, after a courageous battle against Parkinson’s disease. DB was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Sr. and Helen, his brother Peter Jr., and his nephew Colin. DB is survived by his wife of 50 years Ellen, his sons Flint (Lindsee), Joseph, Peter (Amanda), and his seven Grandchildren Ryan, Alana, Alexus, Collin, McCarlee, Jace, and Camelia.

DB was a 1963 graduate of Livingston (NJ) High School, where he was a 2-time All-Conference, All-Essex County, and All-State Athlete, in both soccer and baseball. In honor of his contributions to Livingston High School, he was inducted into the Big L Club Hall of Fame in 2003.

DB continued his education and athletic career at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, MD. As a soccer player, he was 4-time All-Conference, 2-time All-America, and the 1966 National Collegiate Soccer Player of the Year. In baseball, he was 3 time All-Conference and a 2-time Captain and Team-MVP. After graduating from Mt St Mary’s, DB earned a master’s degree from Seton Hall University, in South Orange, NJ.

DB was a lifelong educator, coach, and mentor. DB’s teaching and coaching career began in 1968, at Heritage Junior High School in Livingston, NJ. During this time, he also coached the Livingston American Legion Post 201 baseball team from 1968-1974. The majority of DB’s career as a professional educator and coach (1980 till his retirement in 2006) was at Randolph (NJ) High and Middle Schools. In the Spring of 1981, DB established the Girls’ Soccer program at RHS. Within 2 years the teams were competing for Conference, County, and State titles. During his tenure in Randolph, he also served as a coach of the Boys Freshman & JV soccer teams; Freshman, JV, & Varsity baseball teams; and JV Girls’ softball team.

During his summers (1994-2005), DB furthered his love of coaching and mentoring, by becoming the head coach of the Chester American Legion Post 342 baseball team, where his teams established a record of 300-79-2. This included multiple County Championships, multiple appearances in the State Finals, and earning the 2004 NJ State Title.

Following retirement, DB and Ellen moved to Auburn, AL.  In 2008, DB became the head soccer coach for Lee-Scott Academy. During his 10 years with the Warriors, he established Lee-Scott to be one of the premier soccer programs in the AISA. Throughout his coaching career, his teams formed a combined record of 809-307-16.

As well documented as his teams’ successes on the athletic fields were, DB’s passion in education came first. He found great joy in teaching, not only History and English, but he also taught and modeled life lessons to his students. Countless former students still carry on and continue to discuss his impact today.

DB’s genuine joys in life were the moments he spent with his wife, his three sons, his seven grandchildren, and his extended family. DB was a man who would give his all to anyone, at any time, friend, or stranger. To be loved by DB was to know the feeling of truly unconditional love.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 7, 2022, from 5pm-7pm @ Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11am @ Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home, followed by a Burial Service @ Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn.

In Memory of Donald W Baubles, his family asks donations to be made in his name to:

Hospice Angels Foundation care of Bethany House Auburn, AL and/or
The Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease