Donald James Duplantis

Donald James Duplantis, 65, of Sulphur, LA, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 6, 2019 in a local hospital.

Don was born in Jennings, Louisiana on August 11, 1953 to Paul and Mary (Ogea) Duplantis. Growing up in Welsh, he learned how to work hard on the farm with his Dad and loved hunting the woods of Ardoin Cove.  He graduated from Welsh High School in 1972. Don enjoyed riding bareback rodeo after high school.

In 1974, he married Susan Lyons Duplantis and they set off as perfect partners building the life they wanted for their family.  They adored each other. Don lived for his 3 children. He coached every sports team he could and proudly attended countless dance recitals. After their children were grown they loved to adventure together cruising the Caribbean, exploring Alaska and eating the best BBQ Texas Hill Country has to offer.  No matter where they went, home was always his favorite.

He loved hunting and being in the woods with his pals (whether the deer arrived or not). Each week, he faithfully attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with his family. Don began working for Caterpillar the day after his 21st birthday and continued there for the rest of his life.  Since 1995 he was contracted to work at Entergy. He was a valued and important employee at the plant and at his shop, and cherished the friendships made through work.  His greatest joy was being Pawpaw. His happiest moments were rocking those grandbabies, taking them for walks, and giving 4 wheeler and tractor rides.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; three children, Justin and wife, Barbara, of New York, Jason and wife, Annie, of California, and Jennifer Zachary and husband, Alex, of Sulphur; grandchildren, Alahna, Kirra, Charlotte, Savannah Duplantis, Canyon Zachary, and baby girl Zachary (coming soon); his mother; sisters, Diana Matte (Dana) and Delores Fontenot (Red), all of Welsh, LA; traveling buddies, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and best friends, Charles and Lou Ellen Cryer of Texas; and a whole host of friends.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  President Aaron Young will officiate.  Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park.  Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continue on Thursday at the church from 9:30 AM until the start of the service.