Hubert Joseph Desselles

Hubert Desselles died peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2011, at his residence in Baton Rouge. He was 83 and a native of Marksville. He is survived by his wife, Martha Moulard Desselles, with whom he shared 64 years of married life; three children and their spouses, Chris and Terry Long Desselles, of Denham Springs, Stephen and Carolyn Sweat Desselles, and Dr. Mitzi Desselles and Dr. Michael Apter, of Ruston; five grandchildren and their spouses, Timothy and Valerie Besse Desselles, of Prairieville, Robert and Karen Bernard Desselles, of Mandeville, Rachel and Damian Stevens, of Prairieville, Keith and Sarah Richardson Desselles, and Samantha and Robert Arakelian, of Pittsburgh. He was a loving great-grandfather to Gabriella Eve Desselles, Claire Adalyn Desselles, Jaxon Mark Desselles, Jade Elliott, Max and Harry Arakelian and Jonah and Kaitlyn Stevens. Also survived by his two brothers and their spouses, Richard and Emeline Desselles, of Baton Rouge, and John and Katherine Desselles, of White Castle. Preceded in death by his parents, Zenon and Lonnie Couvillion Desselles; and brother, Marion Desselles. Hubert retired from Gulf States Utilities/Entergy in 1990 with 42 years of service. Hubert's love for people was evident through his involvement and leadership roles in many religious, charitable and social organizations in the area. Early in his tenure at GSU, Hubert initiated the first social organization for employees and their families, the Short Circuit Club. In 1965, he organized the Kilowatt Club, a social and swim club for GSU families. In the 1960s, he also served as chairman of United Way in Baton Rouge for the Industrial Division on behalf of GSU. He also headed the GSU Children's Christmas program for more than 10 years, which distributed gifts to more than 600 employees' children annually. After retiring, he joined Sideliners, the GSU retirees organization, where he served as president for several years. He was a member of UCT, a fraternal benefit society, for 52 years and held various elected positions, including Grand Counselor for the Mississippi-Louisiana Jurisdiction. He was recipient of the coveted Voris King Award given to members for outstanding service to his family, church, community and local council He also received UCT's Troy Henderson Award three times (1977, 1989 and 1998), for introducing friends and neighbors to the fraternal and benefits aspect of membership. He voluntarily and freely gave his time and energy to serve as Buildings and Grounds Manager of the UCT facilities for more than 30 years. A member of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church since its inception, he served as president of the parish Ushers Society for 12 years and attained the rank of 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and an active member of the American Legion. A man who always wanted little for himself and everything for his family, Hubert was an avid RV'er who loved to travel. He loved taking his children on long trips to see America and its beauty. His best non-human friend was a Yorkshire Terrier named Lucky, who preceded him in death after 15 years of faithful friendship. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, June 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with recitation of the rosary at 6:30 p.m., led by St. Louis King of France ushers and the Ladies Altar Society at 6:30 p.m., with the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Honor Guard. Visiting resumes at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 7, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., concelebrated by the Rev. Jack Nutter and the Rev. Jeff Bayhi. Interment with military honors at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Tim Desselles, Robert Desselles, Keith Desselles and Damian Stevens; and nephews, Brian Desselles and Joseph Easley III. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Young, Fred Mayeux, Calvin Bajon and Linden Claybrook. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Baton Rouge and Dr. Roy Kadair at Baton Rouge Clinic for their care and concern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge at 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, or A Closer Walk Ministries, c/o the Rev. Jeff Bayhi, 11853 Bricksome Ave.