Bob was born in Clinton, Louisiana on February 7, 1949 to Marguerite and Cecil Ducote. He was the youngest of four children and is survived by his wife of 41 years, Janis Kerlec Ducote, his brother Cecil Ducote, his brother Bill (Carol) Ducote and sister Sandy (Charlie) Giannobile, brother-in-law Donald (Pam) Kerlec. He was preceeded in death by his sister-in-law Susan Kerlec Hemelt. He also is survived by thirteen precious nieces and nephews.
Bob was also preceeded in death by three special friends with whom we hope he is playing golf in heaven - Dave Hale, Lee Durante (who was in his wedding), and Jim Gouldman. Janis talked of them with Bob during his last days on earth and promised that he would be reunited.
Bob graduated from Southwestern University in Lafayette, Louisiana and spent most of his career in medical and pharmacy sales. His wife, Janis, as most of you know has been a nurse for 45 years, so the couple’s career paths intertwined in the medical worker’s compensation industry. Janis introduced Bob to a leader in the industry which gave Bob his launch into this specialty sales field. He furthered his career working for Butch Hofstetter, who ultimately became a wonderful friend to both Janis and Bob. Bob considered Butch a younger brother. Bob met another special young man in the 1990’s, Darrin Ezell, who he brought into the company and mentored. Up until his death, he truly considered him a son. Because of his love of his work, he worked well beyond retirement age and was considered the “Papa” of the company.
Bob loved life, GOLF, laughing, drinking wine, cruise travel, music, dancing and just being with friends. Never having children, Janis and Bob both were absolute dog lovers. Their first puppy, Toby, spent 17 years as their little boy, and then came “Elvis” who was an adopted rescued puppy. He was the love of Bob’s life, but they re-named him Cody. Bob and Janis lost Cody just 3 months before Bob’s death. Bob was devasted and often said that he wished he had his sweet Cody with him at the end, but Janis told him that he would be reunited with his boy in heaven!
Bob also loved his second home in Scottsdale, where Janis and Bob made special friends with an awesome couple – Mary and Joe! Mary and Joe traveled the world to over 40 countries in a 10-year span, so there was always lots of good conversation. These two became adopted parents to Bob and Janis. They sadly lost Joe over a year ago, but Mary continued to enjoy their visits.
Janis and Bob have many close friends scattered across the country, but none any more special, than her girlfriend Becky and her girls - Jenny and Katie whom became nieces, and Katie’s Tommy; Robert, Jane and Roby Ruppel (their moms and dads were best friends for over 60 years); John and Cheryl Faucheux; Joanne and Phil Falterman; Jane and Al Fandrich; Terri and Allan Sayre; Cathy Buchman; Ronnie White and David Forth; and Lauryi and Kevin Knowles. Each of them will miss Bob terribly. He has been such a part of all of their lives for years and years.
Janis would like to thank all of her friends for the support during this difficult time, as well as appreciation to the caregivers at Heart of Hospice for their tender, kind care of Bob while in hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ASPCA to recognize Bob’s love of animals.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration to honor Robert’s life on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10 AM followed by a prayer service at 11 AM at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home located at 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd in Metairie. To leave any found memories or to share condolences with the family please visit www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.
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