Earl Michael DeRouen passed away from natural causes at his home in Lakeview on the evening of July 4th, 2019. He was 95 years old. Mr. DeRouen began life in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward and was the youngest of eight children. The beloved husband of Catherine Bertucci, he is survived by his wife and three children.
Mr. DeRouen was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dora DeRouen, and his seven siblings: Charles, Sterling, Lawrence, Gordy, Elwood, Arthur, and his sister Alma Carver.
Mr. DeRouen was known as an earnest and industrious worker who began his career at Mississippi Valley where he was ultimately promoted to Chief Estimator. In time, Mr. DeRouen opened his own electrical business, Control Masters, Inc. It lasted over fifty years. Although he was a lifelong resident of New Orleans, his work took him to locations from northern New York to Central America. Mr. DeRouen’s company contributed to the construction of the Steamboat Natchez, whose iconic calliope has been the soundtrack of the French Market for generations.
Earl was a devout Catholic and attended Mass nearly every day since the 1960s. He is a graduate of Holy Cross, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and later the Order of Alhambra. Faith and God influenced every aspect of his life and he worked purposefully to transfer these values to his children and those around him.
Above all, Earl was a dedicated family man. His marriage to Catherine lasted over 73 years. Known as “Bumps” to his family, Earl was a loving and affectionate father to E. Michael DeRouen, Catherine “Kathy” Young, and Marianne DeRouen-Beary; grandfather to Philip (Vanessa) and Clifton Beary, Bailey DeRouen, Nicole and Geraud Young; and great-grandfather to Corinne and Nathan Beary. Earl rarely missed a ballgame and ensured everyone in his household had all they needed. Mr. DeRouen had a long and eventful life, surrounded by family, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Avenue in New Orleans, on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 1 PM. Visitation will begin at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148.
To view and sign the family guestbook please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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