Donald “Tut” Plowden Sr.

Abbeville, LA - A Home-going celebration of life for Mr. Donald "Tut" Plowden Sr. 68 will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Kinchen Funeral Home (218 N. St. Valerie Street).

The visitation will be held at Kinchen Funeral Home on Saturday, July 26, 2025, beginning at 9:00 A.M until the time of the service.

He will await the resurrection in St. Paul Cemetery (515 Jacqulyn Street) in Abbeville, LA.

Donald Plowden Sr., affectionately known as "Tut," passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:20 P.M. at his daughter's residence in Abbeville, LA.

Tut was born on September 24, 1956, in Abbeville, LA, to Melinda Plowden. He grew up in Abbeville and remained a lifelong resident of the community he loved so dearly.

Tut began working at the young age of 16, demonstrating early on his strong work ethic and determination. Over the years, he held many jobs starting as a school janitor, then as a laborer at Ace Hardware, where he learned to repair appliances. Later, he entered the oilfield industry, working for Broussard Brothers in Intracoastal City, LA, for many years. After his time in the oilfield, Tut served the City of Abbeville, eventually becoming the City's Head Plumber, a position he held with great pride.

Even after his time with the city, Tut's entrepreneurial spirit flourished. He invested in rental properties, providing affordable housing to many in his community and continuing to make a difference in people's lives.

Tut was the true definition of strength. To his family and friends, he was a source of laughter, wisdom, and unwavering support. He had a gift for making you laugh or offering advice whether you wanted it or not and he always lived by his favorite motto: "Keep it real."

To his children, he was a guiding light; a father who instilled the values of education, hard work, and integrity. He taught them that nothing worth having comes easy and led by example every step of the way.

Outside of work, Tut found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden. His fishing and hunting stories were always a delight and often changed just a little with each retelling. His gardens were always vibrant and beautiful, a reflection of the care and passion he poured into everything he did.

Tut is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Pearl Elaine Plowden. Together, they raised four children: Framanian Plowden Sr., Shartamia Plowden-Williams (Roosevelt Jr.), Donald Plowden Jr., and Melinda Plowden (Reca). He is also survived by two daughters: Madonna Bessard-Grandpre and Kaylee Richard; four brothers: Ray Larry Thomas (Sherry), Rodney Plowden, and Terry Plowden (Sheketha); six sisters: Bernadine, Barbara, Lisa, Patricia, Glenda (George), and Jennifer Harris (Shawn) all of Abbeville, LA; two sisters-in-law: Betty Thomas and Sandra Brailey; one brother-in-law: Haward Rice, Sr. of Houston, TX; 25 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, other relatives, and friends who also remain to cherish his memory.

Tut was preceded in death by his parents: Melinda Plowden and Lawrence Reaux, Jr.; two brothers: Stanley Thomas, Sr. and Paul Plowden; four brothers-in-law: Walter Rideaux, Jr., Nolan Brailey, Sr., Gary Hoffpauir, and Glen Earl Bessard; two sisters-in-law: Linda and Faye Willis; two nieces: Lacey Pillette and Megan Plowden; one nephew: Paul Rice; two great-nephews: Dylan and Tristan Plowden; one granddaughter: Framik Chambers; and one grandson: Framanian Plowden, Jr.

Serving as Active Pallbearers are Marlon Chambers, Tre'mikal Plowden, Cornelius King, IV, Davantre Plowden, Dante' Plowden, and Steve Viator.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Donald Plowden Jr., Framanian Plowden, Sr., Ray Larry Plowden, Rodney Plowden, Terry Plowden, Roosevelt Williams Jr., Johnny Andrews, Reginald Wilson, Drake Viator, Walter Rideaux, IV., Dexter Plowden, Rodney Rice, and Umiller Plowden.

Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org

Most sacred services are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-893-2440) 1116 Green Street, Abbeville, LA 70510.

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