It is with great sadness that the Dronet family announces the passing of our beloved Clifford Joseph Dronet, Sr. age 95. He passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at his residence. Cliff had just joyfully celebrated his 95th birthday on May 30th with his loving family.
Born in 1930 in Kaplan to the late Adamar and Edmay Credeur Dronet. Cliff lived a long and full life marked by devotion—to his family, his faith, his country, and his community. He honorably served in the United States Air Force during peacetime following the Korean Conflict, with duty stations that took him to Germany and Okinawa.
Upon returning home, Cliff began his professional life at LeBlanc and Broussard Motors in New Iberia. In 1973, he realized a dream by opening Dronet’s Auto Repair, a business he proudly operated for decades. Even into his 90s, Cliff could be found in the office, greeting customers and offering advice, a testament to his work ethic and dedication.
Cliff was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where he served faithfully as a eucharistic minister. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3425, embodying the values of service and brotherhood. His deep Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life—he faithfully prayed the rosary and held a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother, which brought him great peace and strength.
A man who loved the land, Cliff found peace and joy in the outdoors. He spent many happy hours tending to his cows and cultivating his garden. He especially took pride in the sweet oranges he grew and was known for generously sharing them with family and friends.
Cliff’s legacy is one of quiet strength, hard work, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family. He will be remembered for his warm smile, his stories, and the strong roots he planted in the lives of all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Mary Ann D. LeBlanc and husband Robbie; Debbie D. Halphen and husband Dennis; Janie D. Leger and husband Brent; Clifford J. “Skip” Dronet, Jr. and Lance J. Dronet and wife Margaret; son in law, David Musselwhite; fifteen grandchildren, Stephanie LeBlanc, Elizabeth LeBlanc, Quincy LeBlanc, Rocky LeBlanc, Ashley Lipari, Elliot Halphen, James Leger, Franny Do, Stewart Musselwhite, Tyler Musselwhite, Emmy Dronet, Thomas Dronet, Alyssa Dronet, Gabe Dronet and Nicolas Dronet; twenty one great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren and one brother, Ray Dronet.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Bonin Dronet; one daughter, Abby D. Musselwhite and his siblings, Harry Dronet, Adenis D. Ridder, Eva May Dronet, Mabry Dronet and Emile Dronet.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Msgr. Richard Greene will officiate. Interment will follow at Beau Pre Cemetery in Jeanerette. Military Honors will be rendered by the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Evangeline Funeral Home on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Tuesday morning from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.
Serving as pallbearers are Quincy LeBlanc, Elliot Halphen, James Leger, Stewart Musselwhite, Thomas Dronet, Gabriel Dronet, Rocky LeBlanc, Tyler Musselwhite and Nicolas Dronet.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
