Dean Joseph Thibodeaux, 85, of Lake Charles, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at his home with his family at his side. 

Dean was a native of Franklin, La. Born on July 15, 1939, over a café on Hwy 90 that his parents, Harris “Cuz” and Edith Barrilleaux Thibodeaux, operated. He later moved to Lake Charles with his family where he grew up attending Landry Memorial, Fourth Ward, Central, and graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1957. Following his graduation from high school, Dean honorably served our nation in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1959, having attained the rank of Bosum Mate 3rd Class. Following his military service, Dean faithfully worked for PPG Industries for 35 years, having retired in 1999. 

Outside of his professional work, Dean LOVED to fish, especially flounders, and hunt deer with his family and friends at his Texas deer lease. When he wasn’t bringing in the meat from the water or field, he enjoyed cooking and preparing food, Cajun style. He and Bea enjoyed traveling, either together or with a group of people, all over the United States and to many countries. They particularly enjoyed their visits to Australia and New Zealand. 

He leaves to honor and cherish his memories his beloved wife, Bea Eileen Morrison Thibodeaux; three children, Patrick W. Thibodeaux and wife, Ronda; Brian K. Thibodeaux and wife, Susan and Terri L. McClelland and husband, Keith; his wife’s three children (who he has always called his own), Thomas J. Darscheid and wife, Karen, Robert L. Darscheid and wife, Leisha and Tricia R. Bertrand and husband, Kevin; 12 grandchildren, Ashley Thibodeaux Frank, Justin Thibodeaux, Megan Darscheid Benoit, Amanda Darscheid Eastman, Kristin McCelland, Katelyn Thibodeaux, Garrett McClelland, Blake Thibodeaux, Mary Beth Darscheid Luevano, Naomi Bertrand, Lisa Darscheid Johnson and Benjamin Bertrand, as well as many special friends and family of the heart. 

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles with a Celebration of Life beginning at 1 p.m. The Rev. Steffanie Pace will officiate. Interment, with Navy Honors, will be at Prien Memorial Park immediately following. 

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are his four grandsons, and any old friend that still may be alive. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Brighton Bridge Hospice, especially Kelsey Willis, Veronica Sheridan, Juanita Fontenot, Jennifer McElveen of Home Instead and caregivers, Sonny Baldwin and Rynita Smith for the kind, compassionate care given not only to Dean, but to all of us during this difficult time. 

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