Donnie F. Sistrunk

Funeral services celebrating the life of Donnie F. Sistrunk, 87, of Converse, Louisiana, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Converse First Baptist, located at 211 W Caddo Ave, Converse, Louisiana. Bro. Brian Rankin will officiate. Interment will follow at Mitchell Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Converse First Baptist.

Donnie, a lifelong resident of Converse, Louisiana, graduated in 1954 and lived a life filled with love for the Lord, his family, his community, and his cherished cattle.

Raising cattle was a way of life for Donnie. His family farm, awarded by the state in 2014, has been in business for over 100 years. In 1985, he expanded the farm by co-founding Converse Cattle Company with his partner, Craig. The cattle he raised helped him raise his kids to appreciate hard work, the joy of chasing cows in a truck, and the thrill of riding on the tailgate, with their father at the wheel, laughter echoing across the fields.

Beyond the fences of his farm, Donnie was passionate about mentoring those around him. For over 30 years, he devoted himself as a teacher, principal, counselor, and school board member. His love for learning led him to Northwestern and McNeese, where he obtained his degrees in education. After a fulfilling career in education, he continued serving the community as the manager of Ivan Smith Furniture in Mansfield for two decades.

At the heart of Donnie's life was his unwavering faith. Every morning, you would find him reading his Bible with a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal. His dedication was further evident in his longstanding role as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Converse First Baptist.

Donnie was born April 8, 1936 in Converse, Louisiana to Floyd and Buna Barnhill Sistrunk and entered into rest on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Mansfield, Louisiana.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dan Sistrunk; and great grandson, Reed Sistrunk.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy Sistrunk; sons, Kyle Sistrunk, Cody Sistrunk and his wife Brooke, Christopher Sistrunk and his wife Jordan, Donnie Sistrunk Jr. and his wife Karla, and Daniel Sistrunk and his wife Valerie; daughters, Melissa Richardson and her husband Craig, and Ashton Alderman and her husband Darren; grandchildren, Brayden Sistrunk, Myles and Sadie Sistrunk, Grant and Grace Sistrunk, Thomas Alderman, Aaron and Rusty Sistrunk, Kevin and Tyler Richardson, Paige Salley, and Acie and Jackson Sistrunk; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Rylie Kate Richardson, Landon Sistrunk, and Lincoln Salley; nephew Nat Sistrunk; and special friends, Dayna and Harlow Currie.

Honoring Donnie as pallbearers will be Tyler Richardson, Kevin Richardson, Trent Robertson, Nat Sistrunk, Ken Dillard, and Terrell Dean Snelling. Honorary pallbearers will include members of the Luke Sunday School class, Gary Lee, Donnie Sebren, and Sonny Miller.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who want to express sympathy to make a donation to Converse First Baptist Building Fund or to a charity of their choice in Donnie’s name.