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. 

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). Memorial 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.