Joseph Gayne Marchand

Joseph Gayne Marchand, a native and lifelong resident of Gonzales, Louisiana, passed away on March 21, 2026, at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Joseph, better known as Gayne, or even more so as “Gramps” to his family was born December 1, 1936 to Della Young Marchand and Alvin Joseph Marchand, who have preceded him in death along with his sister Gilda Marchand Causey, his beloved wife of 64 years Beverly St. Amant Marchand, and grandchildren Sara (Stiles) Marchand and Robert Rhodes, III. Joseph Gayne is survived by brother Michael “Mickey” Marchand (Christine); three daughters, Kimberly Rhodes (Bob), Trudy Dedon (Ricky) and Desiree Eliser (Shane); one son, Kendall Gayne Marchand; seven grandchildren, Megan Delatte (Ralph), Erika Heath (Daryn), Adam Rhodes (Breigh), Miranda Hebert, Jenna Rhodes, Ryan Gregoire (Misty) and Danielle Eliser; 21 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joseph Gayne was a 1955 graduate of Gonzales High School. He was bright, talented, and always the hardest working man around. His career included over a decade of service with the Illinois Central Railroad, and he eventually retired as a lab technician from the Ormet Corporation. He was a man with many talents and hobbies. He could build or fix just about anything. He was an avid beekeeper and member of the Ascension Bee Club. He also loved woodworking, especially building projects for his family and friends, gardening with his wife Beverly, and practicing his French with his French Club in Ascension Parish. He was well known for caring for his farmland and cattle. What Gramps enjoyed most, though, was spending time with his beloved family. He loved cooking for them (his gumbo was a favorite!), enjoying time with them outdoors - often on their many camping trips, and making them laugh. He often spoke of his love for his family and always took time to remark on how blessed he was to have them.

Visitation for Joseph Gayne Marchand will be held on Thursday, March 26 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM with a service immediately following at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Prairieville, Louisiana. Family, friends, and loved ones are welcome to join this celebration of his life.