Donald Barthel, Jr.

Born January 16, 1958 in Baton Rouge, LA and passed away on February 4, 2025 after a courageous 14 year battle with Parkinson's disease. Don graduated from Baker High School, class of 1976 and Southeastern Louisiana University, with a degree in architectural drafting. He retired from Rhodia Chemical, Inc. in 2006. However, his true passion was designing and drawing house plans for over 50 years until Parkinson's robbed him of his skill.

Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susie Ballard Barthel; daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Tim Mask; grandsons, Collier Mitchell and William Mask; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sherry and Wiley Lear; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Debbie Ballard.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald M. Barthel Sr.; mother, Irene Andrews; and sister, Melody Barthel.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, followed by a private family burial. The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Gerald Calegan for his compassion and commitment to help those fighting this terrible disease.