November 16, 1939 – June 7, 2025
John Clevan Renard, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. He was 85 years old.
Born on November 16, 1939, in rural Vermilion Parish, John was the son of the late Sidney Renard and Celia Landry Renard. One of four children, he was raised in a home rich in Cajun tradition, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and honesty that would define his life.
A proud graduate of Delcambre High School, Class of 1957, John played football for the school and carried that team spirit and work ethic with him throughout his life. Soon after graduation, he began his career in the oil and gas industry, starting from the ground up as a roustabout and driller. With determination and perseverance, he rose through the ranks, contributing to major companies such as ODECO, Resource Drilling, and Nabors. Eventually, he launched his own successful consulting business, Bayou Consulting, which he operated with pride until his retirement in 2012.
Beyond his impressive career, John found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved being outdoors, whether he was mowing the lawn, bushhogging, or tending his garden. He and his beloved wife Shelby shared a fondness for their koi pond—a peaceful retreat where they would often relax and watch the fish swim. Known among friends and family for his incredible cooking, John's famous seafood gumbo was packed with shrimp, crab, oysters, and crawfish and became legendary. Those lucky enough to enjoy it would say no other gumbo ever compared.
At the heart of everything, John was a devoted family man. He was most proud of his role as father and grandfather, and he treasured every moment spent with his loved ones. He and Shelby were lovingly known as the “Best Bamp and Granny,” never missing a chance to spoil and support their grandchildren.
Though we grieve his passing, we take comfort in knowing that John is now reunited with his beloved Shelby and the family members who have gone before him. His memory will live on in our hearts, his stories will continue to be shared, and his legacy of love, hard work, and faith will be carried forward.
John is survived by his children, Jace Renard and his wife Angie, and Nick Renard and his wife Camille; his grandchildren, Sydney Renard and Olivia Renard and fiancé Caleb Gilbert; and his sisters, Claudia Mire and Jeanette Gonsoulin.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Shelby Dooley Renard; his sons, Kenneth Renard and John Renard; his parents; and an infant brother.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, with Rev. Gil Dutel as celebrant. John will be laid to rest beside his wife at the church mausoleum.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre on Thursday, June 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. until dismissal at 10:30 a.m.
Serving as pallbearers are Jace Renard, Nick Renard, David Theriot, Robbie Barras, Teddy Mire, and Caleb Gilbert. Honorary pallbearers include Glen Miguez and Mark Comeaux.
The Renard family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, especially the dedicated caregivers on the 4th and 6th floors, and to LTAC, for their exceptional compassion and care during John’s final days. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
We would also like to say a very special “Thank you” to John's family, neighbors and friends on Kin Drive for always looking out for him and being there for him after Shelby’s passing. We love you all.
Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting John’s memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
