David Leeds Eustis

David Leeds Eustis, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the New Orleans community, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025. Born June 17, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, David lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family and community. Even in the last few months of his life he insisted on "going home to New Orleans" several times a day, never quite believing he was sitting smack dab in the middle of Uptown.

David's early years were shaped by his education at Isidore Newman School, followed by Tulane University, where he received a full scholarship through the Naval ROTC program. His time at Tulane was highlighted by his membership in the Sigma Chi fraternity and his summer Navy cruises around the world.

Upon graduation, David entered service as a commissioned officer with the United States Navy, where he entered flight school and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator. David further advanced his aviation skills, becoming a helicopter pilot. He was a highly accomplished aviator with highlights including two deployments to Vietnam, piloting the first Navy helicopter to the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Camille and retrieving the test capsules for the Apollo Space Program. For his service, David received the Vietnam Service Medal (with the three campaign stars), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and five Air Medals, awarded for the five rescue missions he conducted, saving seven lives. David retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant.

After his military service, David returned to New Orleans, the only place he would ever call home, and embarked on a nearly 40-year career in the only job he ever wanted, working for the Whitney National Bank, following in the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, Leeds Eustis. He loved telling stories of the clients, coworkers and friends he made throughout his career. Trips to the grocery store were a testament to his loyalty, as he only bought his client's products.

He instilled in his family the importance of contributing to your community. He exemplified this with his service on the boards of numerous organizations, including Young Audiences, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Belle Chasse Academy, Louisiana Children's Museum, and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (past president). He was also a member of the Society of Colonial Wars and a past president of the Louisiana Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution, reflecting his deep appreciation for history and heritage.

As a proud New Orleanian, David enjoyed all aspects of the city (except, inexplicably, the seafood). Whether it was the weekends spent with friends in the locker room at the self-named Table of Knowledge at the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club, dinner with his family at the New Orleans Country Club or the many lunches and events he attended at the Lakeshore Club, Louisiana Club and the Boston Club, the last of which he proudly served as president, he always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. On Sundays, David could be found attending the morning service at Trinity Episcopal Church.

David loved a good meal and since Lucy provided passable but not inspired provisions he became an excellent cook, especially known for his Oysters Mosca and Spaghetti Papa, a dish of his own invention. He had a lifelong love of gardening and never met a Camilla or rose bush he didn't buy. Unfazed by the heat and humidity, he would play tennis in the morning and garden all afternoon. A consistent point of marital contention occurred in front of the thermostat when he insisted on setting the air conditioning at 79 all summer.

Of course, as a passionate New Orleanian, David loved Mardi Gras. Iris Saturday and Mardi Gras Day will never be the same for the large group of friends and family who spent the day at his house enjoying the parades and red beans. It was a common sight to see David on top of a ladder waving to his friends in the parade. David was a member of several Carnival organizations, including reigning over Harlequins and the Twelfth Night Revelers.

David was preceded in death by his parents, David Eustis and Molly Cox Minor Eustis, and his brother, Richmond Minor Eustis. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucy Claire Reardon Eustis, and their four sons: David Leeds Eustis, Jr. (Megan), William Reardon Eustis (Laurie), Robert Terrell Eustis (Pornphannarai), and Stephen Minor Eustis (Samantha). His six grandchildren—Liam, Daniel, Miller, Andrew, Kate, and Anne—will forever cherish the memories of their Opa whose warmth and humor touched their lives deeply. He further leaves behind a large, loving family, including his sister, Kate Eustis Brown, 7 nieces and nephews and 6 grandnieces and grandnephews, along with his honorary grandson, Justin Patterson and Jackson and Hudson Thompson who added to the joy David got from being with the next generation. David was exceedingly proud of his family and always cherished the large (and rather loud) family gatherings he and Lucy hosted.

Over their 55 years of marriage, David and Lucy's devotion never wavered. Through the challenges of David's never-ending love of all things James Bond and John Wayne and Lucy giving a home to every stray dog that crossed her path, they stood by each other's side.

The family would like to recognize the excellent care of Jackie, Monica and others in the past two months as well as the supportive and knowledgeable guidance and care received from Passages Hospice. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he enriched.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. in New Orleans, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 12:00PM, with visitation beginning at 11:00AM. A private interment will be held in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (www.parlouisiana.org) and the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), causes close to David's heart.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com