Roosevelt Joseph DeBate

Roosevelt Joseph (“RJ”) DeBate, resident of Prairieville, LA, passed away on September 5, 2025. RJ was born on August 30, 1945, to parents Inez and Roosevelt DeBate, in Lutcher, LA. He was 80 years old.

RJ was an Army Veteran and worked most of his life as a Shipping Supervisor for IMC Agrico chemical plant. He was a sports fan who loved to follow his favorite teams, namely the Houston Astros, LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints. He was an avid hunter and sportsman in his youth, loving to fish and hunt with friends and family. Upon retiring, his passion was antiques, where he loved traveling with his wife, Judy, to find antique collectibles and furniture so that he could restore them.

RJ is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Henderson DeBate; children, Lori DeBate Horton (Jim) and David DeBate (Teasha); sisters, Laura DeBate Chenier, Linda DeBate Babin and Diane DeBate Tramonte; and grandson, Carson DeBate. He is preceded in death by his parents, Inez Marie DeBate and Roosevelt Peter DeBate; and sister, Janice DeBate Boudreaux.

Pallbearers will be Carson DeBate, Aaron Leake, Ivy Babin, Jason Henderson, Matt Tramonte, and Keith Rodrigue.

Visitation for Mr. DeBate will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Gonzales, LA, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM with service to follow at 11:30 AM. A committal service will take place following the service at Serenity Oaks in Prairieville, LA.

The family would like to thank the staff at OLOL Hospital for the care provided throughout the last week.