Mr. Donald Owen “Duck” Durst Jr., of Anguilla, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018.

Donald was born on Jan. 30, 1952, to Margaret Tucker Durst and the late Donald Owen Durst, Sr. of Delta City. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lottie Maranto Durst; daughter, Dr. Catherine Phillips (Brian) of Oxford; two sons, Charles (Ellen) of Flora, Don (Hope) of Columbus; two sisters, Delia Nuckolls and Elizabeth “Bae” Waldon; two brothers, Bill and Bart Durst; his grandchildren, Patrick, Margaret, David, Helen Harris, Mary Hampton, Maggie and Coy, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Owen Durst Sr., and his granddaughter, Lucy Tucker Durst.

Donald was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. Donald had a large family, a zest for life, and a passion for farming. He was a lung transplant recipient in January 2014, and in his later years, enjoyed being home with his wife watching his children and grandchildren grow. Donald was a graduate of Sharkey-Issaquena Academy and the University of Southern Mississippi. He also attended Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Donald was a life resident of Sharkey County where he farmed with his late father, his brother Bill, and his son Charles. He was a life-long member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Anguilla.

A memorial mass for family was held Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Anguilla officiated by Fr. Alphonse Arulanandu. Visitation followed from 2-4 p.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church Parish Hall. A private burial service will be held at Golden Link Cemetery in Anguilla.

Honorary pallbearers include Willie Maranto, Norman Maranto, Henry Goodman, Grover Greer, Bill Davidson, Pat Patton, Paul Holland, Carlos Caselli, Robert Burford, Craig Boykin, Jackie Martin, Jerry Martin, Charles Ray Perkins, Buzzy Parham and Robert Lee Ainsworth.