Donald "Duck" J. Christen Sr.

Donald J. “Duck” Christen Sr., 70 years old, of Prairieville, La passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, he left this world with the same quiet strength and dignity with which he lived his life.

Born on November 19, 1954 ‘Duck” grew up with a deep connection to the water. His life’s work and greatest joys were found along the coast—whether casting a line while fishing with sons and grandsons, shrimping, or guiding vessels as a proud tugboat captain. The sea was not just his livelihood but his home, and he carried its lessons of patience, resilience, and humility with him wherever he went. Above all, Duck was a devoted family man. He loved nothing more than gathering with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family, sharing laughter, stories, and the fruits of his labor from the water. His legacy of love, loyalty, and hard work will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Peggy Matherne Christen; children, Michael Christen, Bambi White (Alex), Stacy Beatty (Roy), and Keith Ekinia (Tanya); grandchildren, Madison Christen, Katlyn Christen, Kiley Christen, D.J. Christen, Connor Christen, Jasmyn Christen, Bethany Christen, Nicholas White (Bethany), Jacob White, Daniel Beatty (Mary), Meredith Bridges (Matthew); 5 great grandchildren, Ben, Parker, Max, Vivian, and Evelyn; sister, Donna Arabie; brothers, David Christen (Lisa), and Russell Christen (Pauline); brothers and sisters-in-law, Diane Christen, Gilbert Jr. and Gwen Matherne, Bobby Matherne, Debbie Fox, Terrie and William Bland, and Dolly Lowery; and daughter-in-law, Casey Christen McKay. He is also survived by his best friend and fur baby, Bullet. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Christen Jr.; parents, Roland and Lula Mae Christen; brother, Ronald Christen; and sister-in-law, Karen Matherne.

Services for Duck will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, La 70737. Visiting is from 9 am until the funeral service at 11 am. Conducted by Pastor Terry "T" Lobell. Pallbearers will be Michael Christen, Josh Matherne, Alex White, Lyle Breaux, Frank Christen, D.J. Christen, Roy Beatty, Marquis Wilson. He will be laid to rest at Hope Haven Cemetery Gonzales, La.

The tides will forever carry his spirit, and his memory will remain a steady light for those who loved him.

"In lieu of flowers, contributions to assist his wife, Peggy, with funeral expenses would be deeply appreciated."