Raymond "Gene" DeJean

Opelousas - Raymond "Gene" DeJean, age 97, was born on October 5, 1927, in the town of Lawtell, Louisiana. Gene passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, at the Corner Stone at the Ranch in Lafayette, Louisiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will Celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and Burial will be held at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Gene was a retired supervisor for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. He spent his career helping those in need, embodying a spirit of compassion and service that touched many lives. Gene served in the United States Army for two years in occupied Germany.  He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute. 

Beyond his professional life, Gene found joy in the simple pleasures around him. He had a passion for gardening, often found tending to his yard. His love for the outdoors extended to hunting and fishing, activities he cherished deeply. Gene also delighted in sharing meals with family and friends, finding happiness in good food and great company. A devoted sports fan, he was particularly enthusiastic about the LSU Tigers. 

He is survived by his children: Scott DeJean, Kent DeJean, and Diane DeJean.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Theogene C. DeJean and Lillian Hilda Caillouet DeJean; his wife, Joyce Stout DeJean; his brother, Frank DeJean; his sisters, Leota Lanclos, Inez Stelly, Wilda Mae Breaux, and Edwina DeJean, and his infant brother, Theogene C. DeJean, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook 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.