Donald Dale Cantrell's Obituary
Donald Dale Cantrell passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He was born in Varney, West Virginia on September 22, 1944.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Georgia Spears Cantrell; his children, Julie Cantrell Troyer of St. Rose, LA, Donetta Rutherford (Douglas) of Belfry, KY, Cynthia Rainbow (Terry) of Sherman, TX and Richard Ballam (Erin) of Ponchatoula, LA; his grandchildren, Kristyn Williams, Heather McCoy, Brianna Rutherford, Dustin Rutherford, Tiffany Barker, Lauren Ballam Petrosky, Brandon Ballam, Cameron Ballam, Catherine Rainbow Burris, Jackson Rainbow, Saje Troyer and Jadon Troyer; great-grandchildren, Maleah Maynard, Easten Mahon, Hallie McCoy, Maddie McCoy, Dakota Rutherford, Alona Rutherford, Logan Bradley, Connor Ballam, Madison Ballam, Reese Ballam, Benjamin Petrosky and Meredith Petrosky. He is also survived by his siblings, Lottie Cantrell, Shelba Hatfield, Venita Faye Cantrell, Linda Sims, Regina Smith, Janet Varney, Watson Cantrell and John Cantrell and nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Todd Cantrell and Anthony Steven Cantrell; his parents Vicie Varney Cantrell and Mansfield (Manse) Cantrell; and siblings, Delmon Cantrell, Harold Cantrell and Nanetta Lewis.
Mr. Cantrell grew up in West Virginia. After moving to Louisiana, Don met and married the love of his life, Georgia. He was a member of Celebration Church of Mandeville. He was known to many as a Godly man, a dedicated husband, the sweetest father, a champion Paw Paw, a hard worker, a great friend, who loved people deeply. Don was an avid veggie garden grower, who was a super fan of the New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, the Boston Celtics and Red Sox. Many mornings, Mr. Cantrell woke up with a song in his heart, probably one he made up on the spot. He was a man of many phrases, everyone had a nick name, and was an animated storyteller with a loud contagious laughter. Don was a lover of all the appetizers and grilling for the family. During the holidays, he was often referred to as “the Clark Griswald” of Pecan Grove due to his numerous Christmas lights. Don was fun, made everyone feel noticed and important, and always made time to stop and smell the roses. He will be greatly missed by many.
Contributions in memory of Mr. Cantrell to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or Celebration Church of Mandeville are appreciated.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 1:00 PM with visitation on Monday beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
The Cantrell family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
