Nathan M. Firmin

Nathan M. Firmin passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Collins, MS, at the age of 94. Nathan was born on October 19, 1932, in Simmesport, LA to Delcie Chesne Firmin and Levi Firmin. He was a resident of Collins, MS.

Nathan was orphaned at age 6 and was reared by his aunt, Eunice Chesne and her husband Rushin. He attended public school in Simmesport and moved to Dallas, TX after graduating Simmesport High. While working in Dallas, Nathan met and married Patsy Jo Gafford of Gladewater, TX in October 1951. Shortly after marrying, Nathan was drafted into the US Army where he served for 2 years.

After his military service, Nathan and Patsy moved to Gladewater, where they lived until Nathan surrendered to full time pastoral ministry in 1961. Nathan began his first full time church in his hometown of Simmesport, LA in 1963. His ministry career led him and his family to churches throughout south Louisiana. As a Southern Baptist pastor he was active in the Baptist French Association of Louisiana, served as a Louisiana Home Missionary to the Houma Indians in Golden Meadow, and spent a year in a church plant in South Dakota. He also preached in French on his own radio program in New Orleans in the early 1970's.

After his ministry days, Nathan retired to Franklinton, LA where he lived until health concerns brought him to Collins, MS where he could be near to his family.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Louise Simmons Firmin; his sons, Nathan and wife, Teresa, David and his wife Connie, and Paul and his wife, Tammy; along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Nathan was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Jo Gafford; his wife, Juanita Schilling; brothers, Wilbert Firmin, Levie Firmin, Leesester Firmin, and Osise Firmin; sisters, Mabel Lemoine, Lonnie Firmin, Betty Firmin; and grandson, Charles Brady Firmin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00 am until services begin at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery, Tickfaw, Louisiana.