Elridge Joseph Declouette, 88, passed from this life on Friday, May 20, 2022. He was a native of Lake Charles, La., and was a retired electrician, having worked at local refineries for 36 years. He was a member of IBEW, Local 861. He also served his community as an electrical contractor for decades. After retirement, he volunteered in the Reserve Division of the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and, in 2009, was awarded Deputy of the Year.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bernadette Nero Declouette of Lake Charles; four adult children, Nathan Declouette (Patricia) of Fishers, Ind.; Monica Declouette Heidelberg (Julius) of Huntsville, Ala.; Gerald Declouette (Anshila) of Las Vegas, Nev.; Vanessa Declouette-McKeever (David II) of Richardson, Texas; two sisters, Virgie Declouette Stevens of Houston, Texas, Joyce Declouette Pete (Joseph) of Lake Charles, La.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus and Elizabeth (Lemelle) Declouette; siblings, Frederick Declouette, Eldon Dean Declouette, Joseph Declouette, and Columbus “Butch” Declouette, Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory nine grandchildren, Jessica Heidelberg of New Orleans, La., Jaida Declouette of New Orleans, La., Julian Heidelberg (Ciearra) of Charlotte, N.C., Trent Declouette of Oklahoma City, Okla., Devin Declouette of Las Vegas, Nev., Olivia McKeever of Richardson, Texas, Jillian Declouette of Fishers, Ind., Jared Declouette of Fishers, Ind., David McKeever III of Richardson, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary starting at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sacred heart Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be shared at www.combrefuneralhome.com.