Donnie Caulk

Donnie Caulk

A child of God who went home too soon. 

A loving person who would drop anything to help someone was how his sister, Linda, described Donnie. “He had a way about him that everyone who met him noticed,” she said. “He was also funny and enjoyed hanging out with family and friends.” 

In terms of work, Donnie had the skills to do anything needed. He was often identified as a leader because of his strong work ethic and trustworthiness. “Donnie had an awesome ability to take apart electronics and put them back together correctly,” Linda said. Sometimes he took apart perfectly good gaming systems just to see if they would work again when he reassembled them. Donnie also loved to fish and enjoyed cooking. 

Donnie’s sister recalls that Donnie could fall asleep anywhere. “He had the oddest way of falling asleep with his legs crisscrossed and bent forward, head hanging down.”

Donnie graduated from high school with the intention of going on to college, but hadn’t gotten to that point yet. Like the men in the family before him, he talked often about joining the military. At the time of his death, he was working as a crew leader for a landscaper. 

Donnie was quiet about his relationships, but he had a longtime girlfriend in high school. Later, at the time of his loss, the family learned he may have a daughter who is now nine years old. Donnie was well loved by his parents, brother and sister and many close friends. They enjoy sharing meals together and telling funny stories of adventures with Donnie. After Donnie’s death, several people talked about what a positive influence Donnie was on them. He often prayed with people and supported them as they recovered from addiction. He was a kind person, and so well loved. 

During his addiction, Donnie often isolated himself. He stole and once broke into a house, something so out of character for him. Before his death, Donnie was missing for two weeks. Linda was searching for him and contacting all his friends. It turned out that the state had his body and never notified his family. 

Experiencing Donnie’s disease makes Linda more vigilant about those she cares for. She feels the need to know where people are and if she doesn’t hear from them; she feels sick with worry. She also treasures time with those she cares about, and intentionally makes more occasions for new memories, something she will not be able to do with Donnie. 

Linda is committed to sharing their story with others. When she hears people talking negatively about those living with addiction, she is open and honest about her feelings and experiences. She said, “Addiction needs to be discussed so that people can get help, and better help needs to be provided.” She reflects that too many treatment centers and half-way houses are in business just to make money. 

She misses Donnie’s smile, his laugh, and her brother coming into her apartment and checking to see if her trash needs to go out. “There is so much he didn’t get to experience,” she said. 

Donald’s sister, Linda Schultz, provided the information for this narrative. 

February 9, 1993-July 20, 2017-Age 24

Portrait Artist:        Jeremy Hebbel 

Narrative Writer:  Barbara Francois

Share this story from The INTO LIGHT Project

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

More Into Light Stories

Read more biographies from this exhibit.
Devin Hart Bearden

Devin Hart Bearden

Caring, athletic, bright, witty, attractive At 6’2”, Devin was lanky, handsome, and a natural athlete. Equally at home on a skateboard, snowboard, or when surfing, he was a pleasure to watch; so fluid and graceful. He was a good soccer and baseball player and loved hiking in nature or being at the beach, especially on the annual family beach trips to Hatteras in North Carolina. [...]
Read More »
Erin Allen

Erin Allen

Her life was way too short Erin was beautiful, smart, and talented. She was a poet and writer and loved singing and dancing. Erin enjoyed nature and animals and could be found outdoors most of the time. She had a photographic memory, loved to read, and knew a little about everything. [...]
Read More »
Trevor Lawrence Armstrong

Trevor Lawrence Armstrong

Wanted to please everyone Growing up, Trevor was adventurous and loved doing things outdoors. He spent most of his time riding bikes, skateboarding, running, and playing lacrosse, amongst other things. When he wasn’t outside, he was hanging with his friends or watching wrestling. He bonded with his younger brother Evan over cartoons, video games, and wrestling. His parents frequently took the boys out to WWE matches, which they adored. Their family took many trips together, making memories in beautiful places like the Florida Keys, Coastal Maine, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Mexico, LA, Las Vegas, and Disney World. [...]
Read More »
Rachel Leigh (Gentsch) Baynard

Rachel Leigh (Gentsch) Baynard

Loving, kind, empathetic, nature-lover Rachel was a generous, funny, free spirit with a contagious laugh. She was loving and kind with empathy for others, which matched her chosen career as a critical care nurse. She loved her profession and regularly spent time studying to increase her knowledge base. Rachel didn’t limit her care for people to her professional life. She reached out to people on the street or those she heard about from friends and did what she could to help. [...]
Read More »

Bring an Exhibit to Your State