Mr. Paul D. Laurent, Jr., 91, of Buckatunna, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, July 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 30, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Paul was the son of the late Paul Dennis Laurent, Sr. and Nora Laurent. A faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Ovett, Mississippi, Paul lived a life of faith, service, and dedication to his family and community. He retired as the owner and operator of Laurent's Bakery and faithfully served as a minister for 37 years, touching countless lives through his ministry. Paul was also an active member of State Line Masonic Lodge #316, where he attained the honor of 33rd Degree Mason. He was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Waynesboro Chapter #124. His legacy of faith, hard work, and compassionate service will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him.

   Mr. Laurent is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Dennis Laurent, Sr. and Nora Laurent; three brothers, Francis Laurent, Richard Laurent, and Nathan Laurent; four sisters, Audrey Orgeron, Joyce Shafer, Betty Swanagan, and Paulette Laurent. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Charlotte Laurent of Buckatunna, MS; eight children, Joey P. Laurent of Buckatunna, MS, Ronald Wayne Laurent (Linda) of Bay St. Louis, MS, Gary Michael Laurent, Scheran Laurent Underwood, Lyle Laurent, all of Buckatunna, MS; Arlene Lucovich (Pat) of Waynesboro, MS, Billy Laurent, and Eddie Laurent, both of Buckatunna, MS; brother, David Laurent of Maurice, LA; two sisters, Jacqueline Hotard of Belle Chase, LA and Beverly LaFont of Marrero, LA; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

   Visitation for Mr. Laurent will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Freeman Funeral Home, 1305 Skyland Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, July 17, 2026, at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, MS with Rev. Jamie Pittman and Rev. Thomas Cochran officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Buckatunna, MS.