Johnny Leroy DeFreese, age 80, of Haughton, Louisiana passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023 just shy of his 81st birthday. He was born in Hodge, Jackson Parish, Louisiana on December 15, 1942 to the late Leroy and Mavis Frances Rasbury DeFreese. Johnny graduated from Ruston High School in 1960. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Education from Louisiana State University Shreveport. Johnny was married to I. Jane Case on June 1, 1974. He had a career in education for twenty-five years and was a high-school football coach. Johnny worked with total rewards at Harrah's Louisiana Downs.
Johnny was a member of the Jaycees, Franklin Lions Club, Kappa Sigma Fraternity Epsilon Gamma Chapter. He had a passion for golf, New Orleans Saints, and LSU teams. Johnny enjoyed spending time with his two special pets Gumbo and Snickers.
Left to cherish Johnny's wonderful memories will be his beloved wife Jane, two children: Heidi DeFreese Burns (Henry), Scott Patrick DeFreese (Kimberly), two grandsons: Elijah Henry Burns, Wyatt Scott Burns, three nieces: Kathleen Heard Barnes (Don), Valerie Heard Kesterson (Joel), Aubrey Faith Kesterson, three nephews: Austin Kesterson (Ashley), Landen Mark LeCompte, Christopher Barnes, a sister-in-law Lee Ann Heard, along with many extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.
Memorials may be made in honor of Johnny L. DeFreese to the charity of donor's choice or Southwood High School football program, Shreveport, Louisiana.
The family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to friends and family for their support, care, condolences, and prayers during this difficult time.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Phillips, Bill Duncan, Bill Hall, Jack Fisher, Charles Baragona, Robert Dan "Mickey" Mays, Glen Wright, Robert Earl Puddy, his brothers of the Epsilon Gamma chapter, Rodger Robinson, Henry L. Burns, Jr., Elijah Burns, and Austin Kesterson.
A graveside celebration for Johnny will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM on the grounds of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillCrestMemorialFH.com for the Defreese family.
