Eugene Donnaud "Don" Brierre, a lawyer, died Monday of lung cancer at Lambeth House. He was 78.

Mr. Brierre was born in New Orleans and lived in Metairie. He graduated from Gulf Coast Military Academy in 1942 and Tulane Law School in 1950. He practiced civil defense work from 1950 to 2001 and was a member of the Louisiana Bar since graduating from law school.

He was a member of the 101st Airborne Association, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Sons of the Revolution, American Legion Post No. 23 and the New Orleans Country Club. As a member of the Army's 101st Airborne Division from 1942 through 1945, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.