It is with great sorrow and deep love that the Daigle family announces the passing of Donald J. “Duck” Daigle, the patriarch and rock of their family. Donald passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at his residence. He was 69 years old.
Donald, affectionately known as “Duck,” was born on November 25, 1956, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, to the late Daniel Daigle, Sr. and Barbara Ann Repp Daigle. He was the oldest of six children and, from an early age, was instilled with the values of hard work, love for family, and kindness toward others. Raised along the banks of the bayou, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a respect for the water, working on tugboats with his family as a young boy. He was also an avid hunter in his younger years—though his family fondly joked that while he rarely shot a deer, he somehow always managed to keep the freezer full.
A graduate of Plaquemine High School, Duck built a life centered on family and community. A true jack of all trades, Duck was one who could do any job out there. He began as a truck driver, driving for Air Liquide in and around the Baton Rouge area. While driving trucks, he also gave back to his community by serving as a reserve deputy with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Department on the mounted Horse Posse. But many will remember the years he owned and operated Duck’s Quick Stop in Plaquemine, a welcoming gathering place where friends met for coffee, conversation, and his famous “all-you-can-eat” boiled crawfish that drew visitors from near and far. After years of operating his family business, he began a new chapter as a heavy equipment operator with Performance Contractors in Baton Rouge whom he worked for until his retirement.
Outside of his career, Duck embraced each day to the fullest. He took great pride in his yard and flower beds, enjoyed camping trips with his beloved wife Miranda, and cherished time spent in the company of his many friends. To know Duck was to know a man who never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and connection, often going out of his way to brighten someone’s day. He was truly the life of the party and proudly held the title of “King of the Dad Jokes,” keeping everyone laughing wherever he went. Dancing was another fun time for him. He and Miranda spent many nights dancing the night away at Pat's and Kelvin's Piano Bar to name a few and sharing a margarita with friends while singing Karaoke at El Paso.
Never one to sit still, Duck had a love for travel and adventure. He embraced his playful side during the many trips he took to Disney World with his daughters, a place that brought he and his family as much joy as any grand adventure. And there were the many cruises as he and Miranda explored destinations across the globe, cruising the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, the Caribbean, the Eastern Seaboard and European destinations.
Sunday was a special day set aside for worship and reflection for Duck. He served as an usher at St. Peter's Catholic Church for 10:30 mass collecting donations and tithes and welcomed parishioners to church with his smile and a handshake. However, his evenings were a time for Duck to unwind, often ending the day with a simple pleasure—a generous bowl of cherry vanilla ice cream before heading to bed.
Duck will be forever remembered for his unwavering love of family, his infectious smile and laughter, and his loyal friendship to all who knew him. Though his passing leaves a profound void, his family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace and that they will one day be reunited with him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, best friend, travel companion, and favorite dance partner, Miranda Romero; his daughters, April Davis (Chad), Danielle Philibert (Ryan), Ani Jackson (Holden), and Gabi Galiano (Hunter); his stepdaughter, Danielle Romero Breaux (Jason); his daughter-in-law, Monique Fontenot; his grandchildren, Jarrett Davis (Abby), Gavin Davis, Juliana Philibert, Rowan Philibert and Oakley Mae Jackson, his granddaughter expected in June 2026; and his; his step-grandchildren, Ian Breaux, Kristen Blandan, Kinley Romero, Gage Romero, and great-grandchildren, Magnolia Davis and Wesley Davis; his step-great-grandchildren, Helena Blanda, Ariel Blandan, and Leon Blandan; and his brothers, Ronnie Daigle (Patti), Lynn Daigle (Donna), Darryl Daigle and Wayne Daigle (Jennifer).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Barbara Daigle; brother, Daniel Daigle, Jr.; his step-son, Doug Romero; and his sister-in-law, Hazel Daigle.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Duck’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Connor Poirrier as celebrant. A memorial service will also be announced at a later date in his hometown of Plaquemine, where he will be laid to rest privately.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., with dismissal to the church.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the Daigle family by visiting his memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
