It is with great sorrow and deep love that the Derouen family announces the passing of Jerome “Jerry” Derouen, III, the patriarch and rock of their family. Jerry passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at The Carpenter House, surrounded by his loving family. He was 71.
Jerry, as he was lovingly called, was one of four children born to the late Jerome Derouen, II and Martha Derouen. Raised with deep pride in his Cajun heritage, Jerry carried that spirit throughout his life.
In his early years, Jerry was a jockey and found great success on the racing circuit. At one point in his career, he was ranked 12th in the nation and raced at tracks throughout Louisiana and along the East Coast. It was a chapter of his life that brought him tremendous pride, and the memories he made during those years stayed with him forever.
Later, Jerry joined his brother Kenneth in learning the electrical trade. Just as he excelled in horse racing, he quickly proved himself in his new profession. He worked many years as an electrician and retired as a Supervisor, respected for his dedication and strong work ethic.
But Jerry’s life was about much more than work. He was a true outdoorsman who embraced all that Louisiana’s outdoors had to offer. Hunting and fishing were among his greatest passions, and he especially looked forward each year to his Thanksgiving hunting trip to his lease. At home, Jerry found joy in tending to his vegetable garden and meticulously caring for his yard. He took pride in maintaining a healthy lawn with his own special mixtures for feeding and weeding, and he thoughtfully preserved patches of clover and other plants to help sustain the bees he cared so much about. Some of his family’s fondest memories were the evenings spent around a large bonfire, relaxing together to the comforting sound of crackling logs.
Jerry also had a deep love for music. He enjoyed playing guitar and listening to his favorite artists so much that he built his own soundproof studio, complete with sound equipment for mixing and creating music. It was a place of peace and relaxation for him, and his family treasured hearing him play.
Above all else, Jerry’s greatest love was his family. Though he was a quiet man, his heart spoke volumes through the love he shared with Trinda, his daughters, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchild. He will be missed deeply, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend of 45 years, Trinda Migues Derouen; his three daughters whom he adored, Jessica Migues, Jacey Derouen Hebert (Bradley), and Jennifer Derouen Charles (Chris); his precious grandchildren, Aaliyah Perez, Jax Migues, Kayleigh Darcey, Noah Patin, Kai Patin, Rylan Hebert, Finley Hebert, Amerie Derouen, Carter Galentine, Adalee Charles, and one grandchild expected in December; his sweet great-granddaughter, Violet Matt; and his sister and brother, Lucille Wattigny and Kenneth Derouen.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Broussard, and his brother-in-law, Bob Wattigny.
A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Sean Boudreaux of Our Saviors Church will officiate. Jerry will be laid to rest privately at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Jerry’s memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
