Ernest J. Delahaye, Jr., M.D.

Ernie was born on November 3, 1935. He graduated from Shady Grove High School, Maringouin, Louisiana. After graduation he attended LSU and LSU School of Medicine. After his internship he practiced medicine in Baton Rouge at Stanacola Medical. Then he moved back to New Orleans and entered a residency. He was drafted in 1966 and spent the first year in Colorado Springs and the second year in Vietnam as a physician in the US Army. Afterward he practiced in New Orleans for 5 years and then he went into Emergency Medicine and practiced in Baton Rouge and Gonzales for most of the remainder of his career. Ernie had a God-given gift for understanding what was wrong with people and knowing what needed to be done to help them get better. It was more than education, experience, or intelligence. He had a remarkable insight for recognizing problems and finding solutions. And what made that gift so special was the way he used it to make a difference in the lives of others.

He was a humble, honorable, kind and gentle man and wonderful husband. He loved golf, Destin Florida and The Summit Ski area of Colorado. He had a passion for the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints.

Services at Central Funeral Home in Central, on Friday, November 6, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. till services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, Louisiana.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Claudia McAdams Delahaye; sister, Luella Smith; nieces, Cindy O’Neal, Sharon Johnson (Stuart), Maureen Veazey (Bobby), Mary Jewell (Stephen); brother in-law and sisters in-law, Roy and Barbara Barnett; niece, Missy Barnett; nephews and his “2 buddies” Scott Barnett and Chris Barnett. He loved them all dearly.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest J. and Gladys Delahaye, Sr.; his brother in-law, Al Smith, Jr.; and nephew, Wade O’Neal. Also, by his in-laws, Claude and Eloise McAdams.

Pallbearers will be Stuart Johnson, Bobby Veazey, Stephen Jewell, Casey Fuller, Dennis Fuller and Justin Fuller. “Very Special Honorary” Pallbearers are Roy Barnett, Scott Barnett and Chris Barnett. Also, Paul Hart, Michael Fuller, DD Fuller, Al Smith, Jr. (deceased), and Wade O’Neal (deceased).

Donations may be made to the church or charity of their choosing.