Vail Patrick Hebert

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Hebert family announces the passing of Vail Patrick Hebert, the patriarch and rock of our family. Vail passed away peacefully at The Calcutta House of Hospice of Acadiana, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 76 years old.

Vail was born on October 1, 1949, in Jeanerette, Louisiana, to the late Marlin Hebert, Sr. and Dora Jane Dorsey Hebert. He was one of six children born into a family deeply rooted in Cajun heritage, where he learned the importance of faith, family, and country.

At the age of 17, while enjoying a night out with friends, Vail and his buddies made a spontaneous decision that would forever shape the course of his life—they enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Proudly answering the call to serve his country during the Vietnam War, Vail served honorably as a United States Marine. Throughout the years, he remained close to his Marine Corps brothers, Doyle and Donnie. The three faithfully gathered each month at the Waffle House to share a meal, reminisce, and relive the memories and bonds forged through their service.

Following his honorable discharge, Vail returned home and began a career in the oilfield as a truck driver. His daughters fondly remember riding alongside their dad in his big rig as he traveled across the country, listening as he chatted with fellow drivers on his CB radio under the handle "Free Bird." Those adventures created memories they would cherish for a lifetime.

In his younger years, Vail was an avid horseman who enjoyed trail rides with family and friends. It was during those years that he met the love of his life, Patricia. After seeing him, she famously remarked, "I'm gonna get me a cowboy just like that." It wasn't long before the two were married and began building a life together.

Vail loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing whenever he could. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially when it came to his beloved LSU Fighting Tigers, the San Francisco 49ers, and women's basketball. He was a devoted admirer of Caitlin Clark and rarely missed an opportunity to watch her play. He also found great enjoyment in old westerns, war movies, and historical documentaries.

Above all else, Vail treasured the time he spent with family and friends. His eye rolls, quick wit, and sarcastic laugh became trademarks that brought smiles to those around him. Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that one day we will be reunited with him in Heaven. Vail leaves behind a legacy of love, patriotism, strength, and devotion that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Harley Elizabeth Hebert Barrett (Scotty), Kyeley Hebert, Julie Bourgeois (John), John Albert, and Jamie Albert (Trish); his grandchildren, Brayden Skye Barrett, Sera V. Neufeld (Daniel), Ashley Hornstein, Eli Hornstein, Christine Funk (Kelly), Kassi Bourgeois, Meghan Denise (Brody), Brock Albert (Sam), Gage Albert, Bailey Albert, Karlie Albert, and Rylee Albert; his sister and brothers, Angelie Boutte (Ricky), Jody Hebert, and Marlin Hebert, Jr. (Jessica); his faithful mini-Australian Shepherd, Dakota; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Vail was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Miguez Hebert; his son, Skye Hebert; his grandson, Derek Albert; his brothers, Guy Hebert and Kim Hebert; and his cherished dog, Allie.

In keeping with Vail's wishes, he will be laid to rest privately at Holy Family Mausoleum with military honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard and the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard. In true Vail fashion, however, he jokingly invited everyone to come visit him later in the week once he was "sealed up," a joke he often shared with family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Hospice of Acadiana and The Calcutta House for the exceptional care, comfort, and kindness shown to Vail and his loved ones during his final days.

The Hebert family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Checks made out directly to St. Jude can be sent to Down South Heroes, 3407 Silver Cane Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, a local charitable group who graciously raises hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to support families of St. Jude.

Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Vail's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.