Nov. 15, 1932 – Dec. 19, 2015

NATCHEZ — A celebration of life for Joseph James Tageant Jr., 83, of Vidalia, who died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, will be 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Joe’s career took him to a number of states west of the Mississippi River. He was an oilman, from roughneck and driller to fishing tool supervisor. He retired in 1990, and moved back to Vidalia where he lived out the rest of his life back home.

The Denver Broncos will have to get another No. 1 fan.

Joe, my daddy, papa, uncle Joe, grandpa, paw paw, leaves behind a number of grieving loved ones. He’ll be truly missed by all who knew him as a gentleman.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Pearl Virginia Goodger Regan Tageant; his parents, Joseph H. Tageant Sr. and Julia Ann Richardson Tageant; beloved daughter, Doris L Orr; great-granddaughter, Chloe M. Britt; two brothers, Louis F. Tageant and Robert M. Tageant; and two sisters, Rose M. Atchison and Mary Ann Short.

Survivors include five daughters, Pearl V. Kelly and husband, Brian, of Sacramento, Calif., Peggy J. Converse of Pueblo, Colo., Penny G. Bortka and husband, Tim, of Eureka Springs, Ark., Rose M. Tageant of Laramie, Wyo., and Sandra K. Taylor of Vidalia; one sister, Julia A. Reeves of Natchez; two brothers, Phillip M. Tageant and Jessie J. Tageant of Ferriday; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all involved in his recent health issues.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.