CPL Joshua Davis Dunaway

Joshua Davis Dunaway, a loving father, husband, and dedicated law enforcement officer, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the age of 40. He was a native of Baker, Louisiana, and a resident of Prairieville.

Born on February 25, 1985, Josh graduated from Zachary High School. He dedicated his career to protecting and serving his community, beginning his journey in law enforcement as a reserve officer with the Baker Police Department, then joined the Gonzales Police Department before becoming a Deputy with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Above all else, Josh was a fantastic father who spent all of his free time with his two young children. He lovingly coached his daughter, Jacelyn (Jacey), on the softball field, spending countless hours practicing with her. An avid outdoorsman, he shared his love for fishing and hunting with Jacey and was thrilled last winter when she killed her very first deer, a buck. He also loved his hunting camp family. Josh loved to ride motorcycles and 4-wheelers with his son Colt. Both of his children spent time playing golf with their Dad.

Josh loved life and possessed a vibrant personality that made others feel good. He was a true LSU fanatic, loved riding his motorcycle, and found joy in dancing to music.

He is survived by his wife, Samantha Nagin Dunaway, and their children, Jacelyn and Colt Dunaway. He also leaves behind his father, Jimmie Randall Dunaway, Sr., and his brothers, Jimmie Randall (JR) and Jonathan; his mother-in-law, Liz Nagin; brother-in-law, Trent Nagin; and, his grandmother, Beatrice Credeur Fontenot; as well as numerous nephews, a niece, and cousins. Josh cherished his lifelong friend, EJ Reynolds, whom he loved like a brother, and Eddie and Darlene Reynolds, who he considered his second parents.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Judy Fontenot Dunaway; his father-in-law, Don Nagin; and his grandparents, Wedney Fontenot and Jimmie C. and Flora Tuttle Dunaway.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, followed immediately by the funeral service at Fellowship Church on Highway 73 in Prairieville. Honorary pallbearers will be Jonathan, Brock, Nathan, Andrew, Colt, and Chase Dunaway and EJ and Remi Reynolds.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josh’s honor to the Center on Autism and Related Disorders.

Fond memories and words of condolences may be expressed at www.OursoFH.com for the Dunaway family.