2024ObituariesDr. Donald Allen Dreyer, MD, PhD

November 26, 1921 ~ September 3, 2024

Dr. Donald Allen Dreyer, MD, PhD, started life in San Antonio, TX on November 26, 1921.  He passed away peacefully in his home on September 3, 2024, at the age of 102.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lora and Eugene Dreyer, sister Gloria, previous wives Ruth Prentiss and Rosemary Martin.  He is survived by his loving bride of 42 years Louise Brant Dreyer, four children, D’Ardi Lang (Reed, III), Becky Miller (Steve) with Ruth, Ross Dreyer (Laura) and Signi Dreyer with Rosemary, six grandchildren – Kathryn, Reed IV, Madison, Trent, Skyleigh and Caullin and seven great-grandchildren.

Don, affectionally known as “Doc” (aka Superman) lived his life to the fullest and everyone that knew him or knew of him was blessed beyond measure. In every aspect of his life he made a difference.

Doc’s father passed away when he was 9 years old, so he took on the role as “man of the house” and picked up jobs, including paper routes to help support his mom and sister.  However, he always kept up with his studies.

In 1939 at age 17, he and a friend embarked on a 145 mile excursion on the waterways of the Guadalupe River in his man-made canoe. Taking over two weeks, it was a path that no one had accomplished to that date.  Homing pigeons were the only means of communication with his family. The pigeons would also bring updates to the local newspaper on their adventures.

He received his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Biology at Trinity University in Texas. During this time, he served as the student government president, student court judge, sophomore class vice-president, a member of Alpha Chi, Blue Key, Triniteers, Alpha Phi Omega, Town Club, Bios Club, TISA and more. He then became an instructor of Biology at Trinity. Dr. Dreyer was one of the 1st recipients in the nation to receive the James W McLaughlin Fellowship in Infection and Immunity research to further his medical career. He later began his PhD and MD at the University of Texas Medical school in Galveston. Doc is also a WWII veteran serving our country as radio operator and mechanic.  He was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant in the Army Air Corps in December of 1945.

In 1959, Dr. Dreyer was appointed to a teaching and research post at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School where he studied cancer cells to determine why normal cells suddenly become cancerous.  In his own words, the goal was “not necessarily the cure, but the prevention of cancer.”

In 1981, Doc married Louise Brant. In 1986, they moved to Baton Rouge, LA, where he helped to pioneer the Our Lady of the Lake Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center where he was the medical director for many years.  He then went into private practice and helped countless patients with physical medicine and rehabilitation needs. Dr. Dreyer retired from private practice just a few years ago when he was 92.

At the age of 75, Doc started powerlifting and competed on the world stage with the World Association of Bench press and Deadlift and is in the WABDL Hall of Fame.  He currently holds 3 world records in deadlift and 1 world record in bench press. He also participated and won in numerous track and field events in the Senior Olympics.

It’s hard to put 102 years of life into a few paragraphs.  He leaves behind many memories of nights dancing, wine dinners and great conversations. Doc loved the social life. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.  We are blessed to have known Doc. He will always be our Superman.

A celebration of his life will be held in November when he would have turned 103

Please sign the  online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com