Richard P. Desselles Sr.

Richard Paul Desselles, Sr. passed peacefully from this world on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the age of eighty-nine at his home in Baton Rouge in the presence of family and those whom he depended on so dearly for his loving care.

Richard was born in Marksville, LA, in 1937, and was a dear and loving husband for sixty-six years to his wife Emeline Drouin Desselles who preceded him in death in 2024. He is survived by his three children, Jan Easley, wife of Joseph Easley, Jr.; Rhonda Gibson, wife of Charlie Gibson; Richard "Ricky" Desselles, Jr., husband of Elizabeth "Beth" Desselles and his brother John Desselles and his wife, Katherine.

Richard shared his grace and love of family with his four grandchildren, Joseph Easley III, husband of Alexandra Easley, Jaclyn Soileau, wife of Justin Soileau; Jessica Desselles, partner of Jude Chatham and Derek Desselles. His three great-grandchildren, Joseph "JD" Easley IV, Parker Avie Soileau and Carter Maeve Chatham provided him with countless hours of joy and inspiration. His four step-grandchildren, Sonny and Sarah DePaula: Beau and Jennifer Gibson, and their children were always near and dear to his heart.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife Emeline; his parents, Zenon Desselles and Lonnie Couvillion Desselles of Marksville and his brothers Marion and Hubert Desselles.

Richard graduated from Marksville High School, served in the Louisiana National Guard and retired from the La. Dept. of Transportation and Development following a dedicated career at the DOTD Research Lab on the LSU Campus. He was a devoted member of Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church, and St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church serving on the Usher's Committee with his fellow parishioners. He dedicated his time and energy as an active member and past Counselor of the United Commercial Travelers (UCT) insurance group where he and Emeline made lifelong friends with fellow UCT members.

The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers LaVonne Harvey, LaMeshia Harvey and Lynette Allen for their unwavering care, love and support. You are such an inspiration to all of our lives. We would also like to thank the outstanding staff at Audubon Home Health of Baton Rouge.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge. Another visitation will follow the next day at Greenoaks Funeral Home, Friday, April 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow. A graveside service will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org or a Catholic Mass intention.