Douglas Joseph Pradat Sr.

Douglas Joseph Pradat Sr, age 96, of Madison, Mississippi, passed away February 28, 2025. He was born August 23, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John H.B. Pradat, Sr. and Marguerite Taquino Pradat. An Army veteran, he served during the Korean War.

While overseas, he romanced Josie Ridgel, through letters, and came home to make her his wife of seven decades. For many years, he was active in Boy Scouts of America, and served in leadership roles at his church. Doug spent his 40-plus year career at Pitney Bowes and, after retirement, enjoyed a part-time job fixing and building lamps at Ye Olde Lamp Shoppe in Jackson. A lifelong learner, he could make anything he set his mind to. From a wooden cabin cruiser, he built in the carport after work, to toys for his grandkids to furniture to hand-turned bowls and pens, he always had a project on his workbench. An inspiration to his six children, Doug was quick witted and independent until the end. He maintained a routine schedule at the gym, enjoyed cooking his own meals, and kept his bed made with military precision, a 20-minute process that would drive a lesser person mad!

He is survived by his brother Joseph Pradat, daughters Debra Joel (Albert Frazier), Diane Pumphrey (Mike), Denise Pradat (Dave Rotundo), Dawn Cannon (Doug), and son Douglas Pradat, Jr. (Dorothy Mandl). Grandchildren, Jennifer Hannah (Tony), Alison Pruitt, Joe Pumphrey (Brooke), Joe Cannon, and Mike Cannon; Great grandchildren, Brittney Corbell, Brandi Hardin, Chris Lannon, McKayla Hannah, Andrew Hannah, Olivia Pruitt, and Reed Griffith; and several great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Josie Ridgel Pradat; his daughter Donna Pradat Smith; and siblings, Edith, Elaine, John Jr., Vivian, Earl, Gladys, Beverly, and Sandra.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m with funeral mass to follow at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (4000 W. Tidewater Lane, Madison, MS 39119). Interment ceremony, directly following mass, will be held at Parkway Funeral Home (1169 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157).

Following interment the family invites you to a reception at Anjou Restaurant (361Township Ave Ridgeland, MS 39157).

Pallbearers: Doug Cannon, Joe Cannon, Mike Cannon, Chris Lannon, Mike Pumphrey, Dave Rotundo

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), The Pradat Family Trust at The Catholic Foundation of Jackson (jacksondiocese.org/catholic-foundation), or the charity of your choice.