Lionel J DeLaune, Jr.

Lionel J. DeLaune Jr., 84, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a resident of Livingston, passed away at his home on August 14, 2025. He was born on September 3, 1940. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserve. He graduated from Istrouma High School in 1958. L.J graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Technology. Later in life, he received his Bachelor’s of Education from Southeastern Louisiana University.

He dedicated over 19 years to Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge before transitioning to a rewarding teaching career that spanned 20 years, during which he worked at various education levels in Ascension, Livingston, and Tangipahoa Parishes. He had a unique gift for working with special needs children, demonstrating unwavering patience and compassion that inspired those around him. He enjoyed the tranquility of the outdoors, engaging in activities such as boating, hunting, and riding his tractor. He took pleasure in repairing all kinds of outdoor equipment, reading, traveling, and basking in the warmth of sunny weather. More importantly, he was a very devoted family man. He was not only a loving father to his three children, but also their greatest supporter, always fully engaged in their activities and interests. He was a humble man, easily approachable, and loved sharing stories about his grandchildren who were the center of his world, and also stories from his younger days. L.J.’s legacy will live on through the love he shared for his family and the positive impact he made throughout his life.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Ola Kay Smiley DeLaune; his children, Andy (Roxanne) DeLaune, Mindy (Warren) Green, and Molly DeLaune; two sisters, Margaret Matthews and Maureen Bernard; a brother, Jeff (Frances) DeLaune; brothers-in-law, Gabe Pochè Sr. and Bobby Ourso; his beloved grandchildren Charles Massie, Jackson and Cameron DeLaune (Andy), Piper and Silas Green (Mindy), and Quinn DeLaune (Molly). He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

L.J. was preceded in death by his parents Lionel “Jack” and Louise DeLaune; sisters, Peggy Pochè and Lynnette Ourso; brothers-in-law, Bobby Matthews and Jay Bernard; cherished niece, Heather Matthews. He was also preceded in death by his father in law and mother in law, Andrew “Drudie” and Elvena “Bunchie” Smiley. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jackson and Cameron DeLaune; Godson, Jason Pochè; and nephews, Robbie Ourso, Joey Bernard, and Caleb DeLaune. Honorary pallbearers will be S.T. Bennett, and Judd Ourso.

Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, August 23, 2025 starting at 9am until services at 11, officiated by Louis Redden and Deacon Rudolph "Rudy" Stahl. Burial will follow at Gateway Gardens Memorial Park in Livingston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his name.