Obituary published on Legacy.com by James Funeral Home - Lake Charles on Jun. 27, 2025.
Donald McCray Mouton, affectionately known as "Donnie" / "Mout" was born on July 20, 1947, to the late Edgar and Ada (Hartman) Mouton Sr. in
Lake Charles, Louisiana. After a life filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories, Donnie passed away on June 27, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his devoted family, at the age of 77.
A lifelong resident of Mossville, Louisiana, Donnie held his community close to his heart. Though his life's journey took him to various places like California and Washington, D.C., he made it back to Mossville and eventually Lake Charles. It was there, in the warmth of his family's love, that he passed on, surrounded by those who cared for him with unwavering devotion. His family was privileged to care for him in his final days-a labor of love, not burden, and a reminder of the deep, unspoken bond between them. Donnie was a man who loved to tell stories. Whether reminiscing about childhood road trips to D.C., or recounting his many adventures with family and friends, his tales brought laughter, warmth, and nostalgia to those lucky enough to hear them. His ability to connect with people through his banter was one of his greatest gifts, and his legacy will live on through those memories.
Fishing and classic trucks and working on them were among Donnie's many interests, and he found peace in both, often sharing his wisdom and expertise with anyone who cared to listen. But it was his love for his family that defined him most.
Donnie cherished his loved ones deeply and is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Mouton, whose love and care for him were steadfast and unwavering. Their bond was a beautiful example of what it means to share a life full of love, laughter, and mutual respect. Throughout Donnie's long journey with illness, Mary was his constant... by his side through every hospitalization, every recovery, and every roaring moment in between. Her presence was not only a source of comfort but, in Donnie's own words, a reason he lived as long as he did. He never took her love for granted and often spoke of how much he admired her strength and the way she stood by him without hesitation. Theirs was a partnership marked by resilience and grace... an enduring love that sustained them both through life's most difficult seasons.
He is also survived by his one biological daughter, Misty (Durrell) Washington of
Lake Charles, Louisiana, a true daddy's girl and he cherished their unwavering relationship until the very end. She was there to wipe his last tear away. Charles (Jessica) Bailey of Basile, Louisiana, and Erica (Lexy) Malbrue of Houston, Texas. Though they did not come from him by birth, Donnie loved them as his own, and they, in turn, held a special place in his heart. He cherished them without hesitation, just as he did his own flesh and blood, and that love was felt in every embrace, every shared moment, and every word of encouragement. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: McKenzie & Miya Bailey of whom he helped and raised as his own, Durrell Washington Jr., Kason Frank, Dylan Washington, Tailor Wilrye, Kenndalynn Wilrye, Charles Bailey III, Kaitlyn Wilrye, and Tatiana Wilrye... all of whom will carry his memory with them always.
Donnie is also survived by his sister, Jacqueline Mouton Harris of San Antonio, Texas, and his brothers, Floyd (Betty) Mouton of Paris, California, and Leonard Mouton of Chula Vista, California, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who cherished him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Margaret Hubbard, Laura Bell Rigmaiden, Betty Palmer; and his brother, Edgar Mouton Jr. While Donnie is no longer physically with us, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
In his life, Donnie taught us all the importance of family, love, and laughter and how not to take any wooden nickels. He showed us that the bonds of love are not limited by blood, and that a kind heart has the power to make someone feel like family, no matter the circumstances. It was an honor for his family to care for him during his final days, and though his physical presence will be greatly missed, his love will remain with us, guiding and comforting us in the days to come. May Donnie rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of love, laughter, and warmth will live on in all who knew him.
His visitation will be Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5PM to 8PM at James Funeral Home located at 1801 Moeling Street in Lake Charles. He will also have a visitation Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9AM with his funeral following at 11AM, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church located at 3830 E. Burton Street in Sulphur. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of James Funeral Home.
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