Donald Persing, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 12 of natural causes.

He was born in Seneca, Pennsylvania. He was a resident of Oakdale for many years.

In later years, he served as Gene Autry’s public relations director. He enjoyed telling stories of the time he spent with the singing cowboy.

Mr. Persing was an artist who loved to paint landscape and he was also a wonderful piano player.

He is survived by his wife, Laverne Persing of Oakdale; three daughters; and brother, George Persing of Tucson, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Persing; and brothers, Elmer Persing and Charles Persing.

A friendly gathering will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Oak Valley Care Center, and to follow, there will be a farewell at his favorite “watering hole,” The Cow Track, Oakdale.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 26, 2011