Obituary of Declan O. Fondren

Declan Owen Fondren, age 24, died Saturday, March 7, 2026.

A time for family and friends to celebrate Declan’s life will be held on Friday March 13th, 2026, from 4 to 7pm, with words shared by Pastor Brody Tubaugh and others beginning at 7pm, all at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his honor.

Declan was born February 8th, 2002, here in Iowa City. He is the son of Dwight D. Fondren and Angela (Taff) Fondren. Growing up in Iowa City attending school in the community. He enjoyed working for this father for years, but what most friends and family remember him for was his commitment to family. He enjoyed his free time playing games with friends and loved ones. Other activities were fishing with friends and family, camping and taking walks with his buddy Titan. Declan loved the water most, dreaming of days he could walk the beach. He was a terrific uncle to his nieces and nephews and would help anyone in need.

His family includes his parents, Dwight Fondren (Jackie) and Angela Crawford (Joseph); brother, Kristopher Fondren (Mackenzie); half siblings Calei (Bryan) and Alanee; step siblings Ryan (Jennessa), Morgan (Alexis), Janicqua (Tyler), Jenna (Andrew), Rien (Nate), and Makenna; grandparents, Joy & Gary Cripe, Ivan & Paul Murrill and Russell Taff Sr; uncles, Willian Fondren (Jim) Russell Taff Jr. (Olivia) and Daniel Crawford (Krista); and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and many friends.