EUNICE — With great sadness the family announces the passing of John Allen DeBarge Sr., our loving father, grandfather and friend to all whose lives he touched, on June 25, 2022. He was 89. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Ardoin’s Funeral Home Chapel in Eunice. Burial will follow in the Ashford Cemetery with Father Hampton Davis, officiating.
John was born on July 10, 1932, in Basile to Arcedus and Delia Rider DeBarge. John was an educator and coach at Bell City High School, St. Francis in Iota, Welsh High School and Hackberry High School, where he was a principal. He was superintendent of school transportation with the LA Department of Education. He served two terms on the Cameron Parish School Board, and also on the Cal-Cam Hospital Board and on the Sabine River Authority Board. After retiring from the school system, he went into private business. John was a devout Catholic and a lector.
John will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him especially his three sons, John Allen DeBarge Jr. and wife Laura of Scott, Timothy DeBarge and wife Tina of Beaumont, Texas, and Jason DeBarge and wife Jo Anna of Eunice; grandchildren, Tyler DeBarge of Lafayette, Kenny Baker and wife Janohah of Mountain Farm, Idaho, Misty Foreman and husband Jason of Gonzales, Laynee Jo DeBarge Miller and husband Jade of Sweet Lake, John McKay DeBarge of Eunice, Hollie McAtee and husband Anthony of Lafayette, and Chad Faul and wife Kyla of Basile; great-grandchildren, Emma and Adain, Conner and Hayden McAtte, Marlee Faul and Jade Houston Miller II; brother-in-law, Wildon Fontenot and wife Jo Lynn of Opelousas; nephews, Craig, David and Eric Fontenot; niece, Claire Fontenot Bell; as well as extended family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florella Fontenot DeBarge; and daughter, Delia Lynn DeBarge.
Carrying him to his resting place, Craig Fontenot, David Fontenot, McKay Debarge, Paul Berzas, Chad Faul and Jade Miller.
At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Tuesday, June 28, from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday, June 29, from 8 a.m. until time of services. Deacon Chuck Ortego will pray a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Family and friends may view the obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337)457.3371 is in charge of arrangements.