Attorney Donald Sigalas

DONALD P. SIGALAS

How do you write an Obituary for a legend? Donald P. Sigalas was a legend in his line of work. As a lawyer you either loved him, or not, depending on which side you were on. As a husband, father, step-father, grandfather and great-grandfather he was a person who was always willing to tell a story, true or not, he was so good at it you wanted to believe his legendary “tales.”

Known as Donnie to many, he passed away at his home with his wife of 45 years by his side on April 18, 2025. Donnie was 80 years old and had suffered from Dementia for several years. Donnie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Emannuel P. and Evelyn Sigalas, his two brothers, Anthony (Tony) Sigalas and Andrew (Greg) Sigalas, and his precious first grandchild, Ethan Peterson Sigalas. Donnie had recently lost his beloved rescue dog, “Grits,” who was his constant companion through his illness.

Donnie leaves to cherish the memories of his life, his wife, Sharon Willis Sigalas, his children Donna Estes Horton, Daphne (Brandon) Sigalas Battson, and Peter (Donna) Sigalas, and Christy (Ernie) Lewelling; grandchildren Ean (Scarlett) Sigalas, Erian Sigalas, MaryClaire (Alex) Wheaton, Braden Battson, Wesley (Aubrey) Lane, Jamie Lane,  Nicholas (Stormi) Lewelling, Michaelyn (Cameron) Gray, and Carson Lewelling. Great-grandchildren Allysa Lane, Alexis Lane, Kaylie Lane, Layla Sigalas, Alexandria Wheaton, Isla Wheaton and John Michael Lewelling. His sister, Annette Sigalas Nunez and his sister-in-law, Judy Pittman Sigalas, His sisters and brothers-in-law, Anita (Donald) Willis Bosarge and Lisa (Houston) Willis Hollister. Numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. 

Donnie graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1962 and enjoyed hearing from his classmates throughout the years. He served in the United States Navy from 1962-1965, when he received an Honorable Discharge. He attended school at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinson Community College, and received his degree in Industrial Technology from Mississippi. He worked in the construction and shipbuilding industry until he decided to attend law school in 1978 at the University of Mississippi School of Law. After graduating from law school, he opened his law practice in Pascagoula until he retired from the practice of law at the age of 72.

Donnie enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and traveling with Sharon. His grandchildren, nieces and nephews thought Papaw could fix anything, he let them down once when he could not save their dog who had gotten run over. I do believe history would show that was his only failure.

As an attorney he was a fierce advocate for his clients. Several Judges tell tales about their first encounter with Donnie Sigalas the Lawyer, they laugh about it since he retired, but while he was practicing, they tried to keep a tight rein on him. He was a force to be reckoned with and the tales will be told at the Courthouse for many years to come.

Sharon would like to say a special thank you to Anita, Christy and Michaelyn for the loving care shown to Donnie during these last months of his life. They were Sharon’s rock as they helped with Donnie’s care as well as running errands for Sharon while she stayed by his side. Also, a special thank you to Vital Caring Hospice, Dr. William McClendon, his nurse, Mackenzye Germany, and his aide, Rodonna White. The Vital Caring team made this difficult time easier for Sharon as they guided her through the last days of Donnie’s life, making him as comfortable as possible.

His family and friends will miss him, he was larger than life. Honoring his wishes, a public service will not be held – he was a very private but loving person. Cherish your memories of Donald “Donnie” P. Sigalas, Sr. and keep his family in your prayers.

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