Donald “Duke” Durrell Fondren, Jr., age 70, of Columbus, MS, passed away October 2, 2025 at his residence.

There will be a gathering Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at his residence.

Mr. Fondren was born on November 9, 1954, in Columbus, MS, to the late Donald Durrell Fondren, Sr. and Margie Alexander Fondren. He retired from Eka (Akzo) Nobel and also was a brick mason by trade. He was a best friend and devoted husband for 52 years.

Mr. Fondren was also a dedicated, loving, and strongly-opinionated daddy and grandfather, and faithful son and brother. He will be remembered by his many friends and coworkers at Eka (Akzo) Nobel and West Brother Construction.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Fondren is preceded in death by his siblings, Diane Jones, Donna Fondren, and Bobby Fondren.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Sims Fondren; children, Michael A. (Angela) Fondren, Patricia L. (Bobby) Bartley, and Matthew A. (Brandy) Fondren; 11 grandchildren, Lysa (Dakota) Sandlin, Curt Fondren, Joshua (Kelsie) Fondren, Caleb (Kayla) Fondren, Kamron Fondren, Devan (Kelsey) Bartley, Alex (Alix) Bartley, Cameron (Morgan) Bartley, Emi Bartley, Jaxen Bartley, and Ella Fondren; 12 great-grandchildren, AnRylie, Fischer, Lola, Colton, Watson, Aurora, Arlin, Carter, Kaizer, Dakota, RJ, and Oaklynn; sister, Angie (Ricky) Taylor; brother-in-law, Gerald Jones; and sister-in-law, Leslie Fondren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.