Delouis Daire

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Delouis Daire, 86, who departed this life peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte, with burial to follow at Evangeline Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with a rosary recited at 12:30 PM.

Delouis, a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched many lives with his kind spirit and playful character.

Born on November 18, 1938, Delouis was the son of the late Derbis and Omerine Ortego Daire. He spent much of his childhood outdoors working on the family farm and his father’s blacksmith shop, which led to a deep love for the outdoors. In turn, he became an excellent gardener, welder, and avid hunter and fisherman.

In 1965, Delouis married his sweetheart, the late Ethel Guillory Daire. Their love and devotion to one another was evident to all who knew them. Before her passing, Ethel and Delouis celebrated 50 years of marriage. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters: Amanda Thille (David) and Kimberly Soileau (Chad).

The true joys of his life were his grandchildren: Katelyn, Gaige, Jillian, Gabrielle, and Celeste Thille and Ty and Lane Soileau. Known affectionately as “Gaupie,” Delouis was also great-grandfather to Sebastian and Simon Bordelon. Delouis was deeply devoted to his grandchildren, sharing laughter, life lessons, and cherished memories. He was often their biggest supporter at their school events. Even friends of his grandchildren called him “Gaupie.”

Delouis graduated from Ville Platte High School in 1957. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for four years. During this time, he was stationed in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. After his time in the United States Army, Delouis worked for Cabot Corporation for 38 years. He served many roles at Cabot, including painter, welder, and mechanic. He was known for his strong work ethic, kindness, and humor.

Delouis loved spending time outdoors with his brothers, nephews, and grandchildren, passing down his wisdom and passion for nature. His greatest joy in life was his family, and he took every opportunity to create meaningful memories with them. Delouis took great pride in his vegetable garden and was happy to share his plentiful produce with his family and friends.

Delouis is survived by his loving daughters, Amanda Thille (David) and Kimberly Soileau (Chad) of Ville Platte.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Katelyn Bordelon (Taylor) of Longview, TX, Gaige Thille (Lafayette), Jillian Thille, Gabrielle Thille, Celeste Thille (all of Ville Platte) and Ty and Lane Soileau (Ville Platte). He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who he deeply loved and cherished.

Delouis is preceded in death by his parents, Omerine Ortego Daire and Derbis Daire; wife Ethel Guillory Daire; sisters, Pauline Daire Rape, Ethel Daire Darby, Versie Daire Lafleur, and Gladys Daire Darby; brothers, Marvin Daire, John Littell (Doc) Daire, John Kerron Daire, and Joseph Derbis (JD) Daire; nephew Kim Daire.

Pallbearers will be: David Thille, Chad Soileau, Gaige Thille, Ty Soileau, Lane Soileau, and Taylor Bordelon.

Readers will be: Katelyn Thille Bordelon, Jillian Thille, and Michael Mulle.

Gift bearers will be: Gabrielle and Celeste Thille.

Delouis’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His strength, love, laughter, and unwavering spirit will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements and invites family and friends to leave condolences at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.