Telesmar Joseph "T.J." Derouen Jr.

New Iberia- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mr. Telesmar "T.J." Joseph Derouen Jr., age 86, on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 2:00PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church with Father Garrett Savoie to serve as the Celebrant.  Reading from scripture will be Heather Dore and Erica Latiolais.  Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Graveside Honors by the Iberia Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 5:00PM until 9:00PM with a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will continue on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 8:00AM until service time.

A native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, "T.J." passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 9:43AM at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Derouen proudly served as a member of the United States Army and Army Reserves. “T.J.” was a TV Technician by trade but in his free time he enjoyed hunting and fishing and camping with his family and friends.  He had many hobbies including building and flying model airplanes and building American Classic Cars.  Mr. Derouen was particularly proud of his aluminum houseboat he built by hand, and he loving taking his family out on the water.  After retirement he travelled all around the United States.  Mr. Derouen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Hilda Mae Robichaux Derouen of New Iberia; children, Jennifer Barrilleaux and husband Dalton of New Iberia, Steven Derouen and wife Janet of New Iberia, Brenda Oubre and husband Philip of New Iberia, Glenda Whitaker of New Iberia, Virginia Lacouture of New Iberia; thirteen Grandchild, Heather Dore of New Iberia, Erica Latiolais and husband James of New Iberia, Devlin Barrilleaux and wife Gemma of New Iberia, Troy Barrilleaux of New Iberia, Ryan Derouen of Lafayette, Travis Derouen of New Iberia, Michael Oubre of Minnesota, Cory Oubre and wife Amber of Georgia, Amanda Whitaker and fiance Bradley Darby of St. Martinville, Sarah Whitaker of New Iberia, Kaitlin Whitaker of New Iberia, Amber Lacouture of New Iberia, and Austin Lacouture of New Iberia; and nine Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Telesmar Joseph Derouen, Sr.; Mother, Nola Hebert Derouen; Sons-in-law, Craig Dore, and David Lacouture; Brother, Perry Derouen; and Sister, Rita Mae St. Upery.

Upholding the honor of Pallbearers are Ryan Derouen, Travis Derouen, Austin Lacouture, Sarah Whitaker, Bradley Darby, and James Latiolais.

The family would like to thank Mr. Derouen’s caregivers, Amanda Whitaker, Katie M. Vallot, Sheila “Sunshine” Bolfa, and Bridgeway Hospice for all of the special care and compassion given to him.

In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Derouen’s honor can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814

Family and friends wishing to express condolences can sign the online guestbook.

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St., (337)369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.