It is with great sorrow that the Delahoussaye family announces the passing of our patriarch and rock of the family, J. Huey Delahoussaye. Huey passed away peacefully just after midnight on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at his residence in Baton Rouge. He was 87.
Huey, as he was known by family and friends, was born on January 13, 1938, in rural Vermilion Parish to the late Junius Delahoussaye and the late Anna Mae Langlinais Guillotte. He was raised in a family steeped in Cajun heritage, where he learned the value of hard work and kindness from an early age. Huey graduated from New Iberia High School, Class of 1956, and later pursued further education at Banking school.
A lifelong entrepreneur and horseman, Huey was a dedicated member of the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. He trained racehorses and ran them at tracks all over Louisiana and the United States, with many of his horses finishing in the winner’s circle. To this very day, some of those horses are still running races with the spirit of Huey riding along. But for Huey, racing wasn’t just about the victories but also the joy of sharing the experience with his children. He cherished the memories of having them by his side, helping with the stables, and sharing a bologna sandwich and a moon pie after a hard day's work of shoveling rice hulls in the stables.
Huey’s passion extended beyond horses; he was known for his love of cooking. Whether it was his famous barbecue or award-winning gumbo, everyone at the track knew that when Mr. Huey was cooking, a good time was sure to follow. His camaraderie with others was just as important as the victories, and many cherished the memories of bowling and sharing laughs with Huey at the alley.
Outside of his professional career, Huey enjoyed a simple life in his beloved New Iberia. He was a huge fan of Conway Twitty, an extraordinary dancer, somewhat of a card shark at the bourrée game, and ever hopeful that he would one day win the Powerball. He was the Leader of the Bayou Boys, his own club filled with his dearest family and friends. He was also a regular at Hardies and Duffy's and lit up the restaurant with his smile when he walked in. Huey was so happy to later enjoy meals with his children and grandchildren. Another favorite of his was attending Sunday mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. At the end of mass, Huey waited at the church doors and gave peppermints to everyone as they left church. It not only brightened their day, but it made his as well.
Huey’s life was defined by his servant’s heart, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to family and friends. He lived a life without regret, with love and kindness at the forefront and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Daddy, as we say I’ll see you soon, we can hear your gently voice telling us “The Good Lord willing” we will be together one day. Until that precious day, Rest well. We love you.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Del Delahoussaye, Pickles Delahoussaye Kelly, Heath Delahoussaye, Honi Delahoussaye, and Tina Gajun Louviere; his grandchildren, whom he adored: Scotty Broussard, Tyler Touchet, Callie Delahoussaye, McKinna Dartez Chrismer, Margon Delahoussaye Nixon, Brandon Delahoussaye, D. Bucky Dartez, Brittanie Delahoussaye, Darbi Kelly, Ivy Hamilton Thompson, and Adam Kelly; as well as 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Glenn Delahoussaye, Susan Delahoussaye, and Joanna Delahoussaye Durke.
Huey is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Langlinais Guillotte, his father, Junius Delahoussaye, his stepfather, Russell Guillotte, his stepmother, Flo Delahoussaye, his grandson, Blake Delahoussaye, his daughter-in-law, Marcia Delahoussaye, his grandparents, Clodore and Paula Trahan Langlinais, and Clovis and Marie Lopez Louviere, his former wife and mother of his children, Hattie Skipper Zagar, his father-in-law, Nelson "Pop Thib" Thibodeaux, and his best friend, Leward Mech.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Huey’s life will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, with Fr. David Furka as celebrant. Following the Mass, Huey will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 9:00 am until 1:30 pm dismissal. The Men's Rosary Group will lead the recitation of the Rosary at 11:00 am.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Scotty Broussard, Tyler Touchet, D. Bucky Dartez, Adam Kelly, Mikey Delahoussaye, and Jamie Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers are Glenn Delahoussaye and Dustin Delahoussaye.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Huey’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
