Dwight Anthony Menard

Dwight was born on December 8, 1954, in Jennings, Louisiana. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1976. A lifelong learner who took great pride in his profession, Dwight continued his education throughout his career, earning distinguished professional credentials in risk management, marine insurance management, and property and casualty underwriting.

Dwight began his professional career with Crawford & Company in Louisiana, where he worked for ten years. He later accepted a position with Crowley in Jacksonville, Florida, beginning what would become a remarkable 30-year career with the international shipping company. Through his dedication, knowledge, and leadership, Dwight rose to the position of Vice President of Risk Management, the position he held when he retired after 30 years of service.

But Dwight’s professional accomplishments tell only a small part of his story.

Above all, Dwight loved his family. He and his wife, Debbie, shared 50 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and making memories together. One of Dwight’s greatest joys was being “Pappa” to his four grandchildren. He treasured his time with them and the special place each held in his heart.

Dwight was full of life and had a beautiful smile that those who knew and loved him will never forget. He was generous and kind, always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor, help a friend, or simply be there when someone needed him.

Some of Dwight’s happiest days were spent at the family’s beloved river place, Cast Away. It became much more than a place to visit—it was where family and friends gathered and where countless memories were made. Dwight loved fishing, shrimping, and crabbing, sitting on the dock, and listening to Motown and Van Morrison. And when everyone else thought it might be time to call it a day, Dwight was rarely ready to stop. There was always time for “just one more cast.”

Cast Away remains a treasured part of the legacy he leaves his family—a place where the people he loved can continue to gather, laugh, tell stories, and remember him.

Dwight was the consummate host. If you were a guest in his home, he made sure your glass was never empty and you were never hungry. He was also an amazing cook. Family and friends were treated to his boiled crabs, stuffed crabs, gumbo, barbecue, crawfish boils, ahi tuna sushi, and many other favorites.

Thanksgiving held a special place in Dwight’s heart. The family celebrated each year at Orange Beach, and everyone looked forward to his famous fried turkey. It was another tradition that brought together the things Dwight valued most—family, good food, laughter, and time spent together.

Dwight always had a project in mind, and his projects were rarely simple. He had a way of taking an idea and making it bigger and better than anyone imagined. He loved gardening and landscaping and took great pride in creating beautiful spaces for his family to enjoy. He also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places.

Through all the accomplishments, adventures, projects, and gatherings, Dwight remained a man of generosity and kindness. He loved his family deeply, treasured his friends, cared for his neighbors, and loved the Lord. His faith was an important part of his life and remained with him throughout his journey.

Dwight is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Debbie Menard; his daughters, Laura (Ryan) Galloway and Jill (Michael) Childers; and his four beloved grandchildren, Tyler Robertson, Lacey Robertson, Zachary Childers, and Wyatt Childers, who knew and loved him as Pappa.

He is also survived by his siblings, Harriet Landry and Olan (Dianne) Menard, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Cedric and Agnes Menard; his brother, Kenneth Menard; his brother-in-law, Cleve Landry; his nephew, Chad Landry; his father- and mother-in-law, Bobby and Audrey Louviere; and his sister-in-law, Angie Schexnider.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.

A second visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Dwight’s life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, Florida.

Following the Funeral Mass, Dwight will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, 960 Girvin Road, Jacksonville, Florida.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception immediately following the graveside service at the Holy Spirit Family Life Center, 11665 Fort Caroline Road.

Dwight leaves behind a lifetime of memories, traditions, and places made more beautiful because he was there. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, in the grandchildren who called him Pappa, in the friends whose lives he touched, and at Cast Away, where his family will undoubtedly think of him whenever the music is playing, the shrimp are running, or the fish are biting.

And perhaps they will stay on the water just a little longer—for “just one more cast.”