John Albert Daigle Jr., 75, died on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 in Lake Charles, La. Born in Jennings, La. on May 27, 1948, to John Daigle (Sr.) and Joyce Mae Daigle, John was raised in Hathaway, La. where he attended Hathaway High School. Following his graduation from Hathaway High in 1966, John later entered the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman in the Vietnam War. Between 1968 and 1969 he saw and engaged in extensive combat operations, was wounded twice, and ultimately received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Sharpshooter Badge, a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and a host of other decorations before being honorably discharged in 1970 and returning home to Southwest Louisiana. After leaving the Army, John went to work for Alcoa refinery in Lake Charles and worked there diligently until his retirement in 2005. 

In 1970, John married his wife, Susan, whom he had met before his deployment overseas, and with her, he would share the next 44 years of his life until her death in 2014. In that time, the two of them built a close-knit and loving home, raised two children, Jennifer Daigle Davis and Jeffrey John Daigle, and eventually welcomed two granddaughters, Peyton Davis and Taylor Davis, all of whom they loved dearly and were apt to brag about when the opportunity arose. 

As all those who knew him will attest, John was a loving and giving man, who never met a stranger. He was a hard worker, with an infectious laugh, and a knack for telling a good story. He loved to fish, to hunt, to cook, and to help those around him in any way he was asked, especially family, no matter how extended they were. Although his passing now leaves a void in the lives of his friends and family it would be John’s hope that any sadness is brief, and that soon enough we will remember only the joy, love, humor, and happiness he brought to us all.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Susan Frances Daigle; an infant son, Douglas Daigle; his parents; one sister, Lynette LeFleur; and two brothers, Deryl Daigle and Glen Daigle. 

Those left to cherish John’s memory include his son, Jeffrey Daigle; his daughter, Jennifer Daigle Davis; his granddaughters, Peyton Davis and Taylor Davis; his girlfriend, Juliann Clark; his sisters, Polly Hebert and husband, Garland, Donna Robison, Sharlene Daigle, and Patty Douget and husband, Jody; and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends all of whom John loved and cherished dearly.

Visitation for John will be at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will resume on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 p.m. until the start of the service at 3 p.m. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation on Saturday with the Reverend Dr. Mitzi George officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.