It is with heavy hearts that’s the family of Ronald James “Ronnie” Duhon announce his passing. A native and resident of New Iberia, Ronnie passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. He was 80 years old.
Ronnie was born on December 4, 1945, to the late Essie Joseph Duhon and Amelina Hulin Duhon. He was one of six children born to that union. Ronnie was a hardworking man with a big heart, a helping hand, and a love for life that was contagious. He was the proud owner of Duhon’s Paint and Body, where his skills, dedication, and ability to fix just about anything shined through. He always found something to tinker with and never met a problem he wasn’t willing to try to solve. A true handyman, Ronnie took pride in staying busy, piddling around, and lending a helping hand whenever someone needed him. His strong work ethic, generous spirit, and willingness to help others were just a few of the qualities that made him so special to all who knew him.
One of Ronnie’s greatest joys was cutting grass. Whether he was working in the yard, tinkering with something that needed fixing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, he was happiest when he had something to do. He especially loved riding his golf cart with his beloved dog, Spur, by his side as they made their rounds checking the fence line. Those simple moments were some of life’s greatest pleasures to him.
Ronnie knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. He loved dancing, cooking up a batch of cracklins, and enjoying his Natural Light beer. He was a fun-loving, generous man who enjoyed every minute of life and knew how to make the most of the time he was given. His easygoing nature, hardworking spirit, and willingness to give to others made him a special person to all who knew him. Ronnie had a way of making ordinary days memorable, and his presence brought laughter, warmth, and joy wherever he went.
Beyond his love for the simple pleasures of life, Ronnie was a proud American who honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, serving in Councils 3425 and 12997. His commitment to service reflected the kind of man he was—someone who believed in showing up, doing his part, and helping others along the way.
Though he will be deeply missed, the memories of Ronnie will live on in every freshly cut lawn, every shared laugh, every gathering with good food, and every ride down a familiar fence line. And somewhere in those memories, we can picture Ronnie doing what he loved most—enjoying life, with a cold Natural Light nearby and his faithful Spur right beside him. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Madeline Primeaux Duhon; children Elby Duhon (Lisa), Craig Duhon (Lori), Michelle Duhon Verret (Shane), Lisa Duhon (Alyson) and Ashley Dugas (Justin); Grandchildren; Derek Duhon (Hannah), Lauren Chastant (Seth), Kristin Kimble (Shawn), Amanda Duhon (Isaiah), Shane Verret, II (Brylee), Kylan Verret (Shea), Evan Verret (Mackenzie), and Wyatt Dugas; Great-grandchildren; Ellie Duhon, Sawyer Daspit, Owen Daspit, Lily Hebert, Rowan Chastant, Savannah Chastant, Britton Chastant, Rylan Kimble, Adaline Kimble, Mason Kimble, and 2 great-grandchildren on the way; Sinclair Verret and Grayson Verret; siblings; Wayne Duhon, Sr. (Victoria), Betty Duhon, Patsy Dore, Myrna Poche (Millard), and Janis Dugas (Nathan). Ronnie is also survived by his faithful dog, Spur.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his grandson, Brandon Harlow; and his brother-in-law, Johnny Dore.
Funeral services celebrating Mr. Ronnie’s life will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 am with Fr. Ed Degeyter officiating. Following the services, Ronnie will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The Men’s Rosary Group will lead the recitation of the rosary at 6:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Monday October 26, 2026, at the funeral home from 9:00 am until the time of services.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Derek Duhon, Shane Verret, II, Kylan Verret, Evan Verret, Wayne Duhon, Jr and Jarrod Dugas. Honorary pallbearers are Wyatt Dugas and Rowan Chastant.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Ronnie’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
