Dillon John Stelly

Dillon John Stelly, age 30, passed away on January 11, 2024, at the Houston Methodist Transplant Center in Texas. He was born on October 27, 1993, in Minot, North Dakota. Dillon was known for his vibrant personality and his passion for life.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dillon will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Grand Coteau, LA. Father Mark Kramer, S.J., will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Trey Vasseur, Alex Jagneaux, Haden Stelly, Craig Stelly, C’yle Stelly and David Goodman.  Honorary pallbearers will be J.C. Vasseur, Jude Stelly, Ava Grace Vasseur.

The family requests that visitation be observed on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas.  A Rosary will be prayed on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. by Mr. Darrell Burleigh. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 

Dillon had an adventurous spirit that one couldn't help but admire. He combined his profound love for riding ATVs and dirt bikes with his incredible and undeniable skill in building and repairing them. Mud riding was more than a hobby, it was a true passion that brought him immense joy. Dillon always pushed the limits in his builds; the more power they had, the better.

Dillon's natural abilities coupled with his unwavering determination to succeed served him well. He followed his early love for machines and curiosity to know how they worked. He never stopped learning and built on his education in Machine Tool Technology from SLCC. Once he set up shop, he quickly became the local expert and go-to guy in all things ATV.

Family and friends meant the world to Dillon, and he had an exceptional bond with each of them. He is survived by his loving parents, Todd E. Stelly and Windy Burleigh Stelly, who provided him with unwavering support throughout his life's journey. Dillon is also survived by his brother, C'yle Joseph Stelly and his wife, Cecelia, his paternal grandmother, Renella Knott Stelly; his nephew and godchild, Jude Stelly; godchild, Ava Grace Vasseur, as well as his godparents Robert Dale Knott and Melissa Roscoe.  These connections were a constant source of joy for Dillon. In addition to his immediate family, Dillon cherished the memories he shared with his girlfriend, Cassie Schexnayder and her children, Ashton Schexnayder and Brooklynn Romero. He is also leaving behind his four-legged friend, Harley.

Dillon was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Austin John Burleigh and Annie Lois Broussard Burleigh; his paternal grandfather, Edward Joseph Stelly; his paternal great-grandparents, Hilda Berard Stelly, Cleveland Stelly, Firth Landry, and Edwin Knott; his maternal great-grandparents, Ludovic and Ann Burleigh and Dozen and Ameya Cormier Broussard; his uncle, Patrick Burleigh and cousin Owen "Big O" Henry.

As we honor Dillon's memory, let us remember him for his vibrant spirit and contagious laughter. May we embrace his zest for life as we continue our own journeys. Dillon will forever remain alive in our hearts and will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

The Stelly family would like to thank Dr. Richard F. Howes and staff, as well as the Houston Methodist Transplant Center for the exceptional care given to Dillon.

Family and friends are invited to visit our website at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.