Gerald "Jerry" Haydel

Gerald Mark “Jerry” Haydel passed away on September 24, 2026 at his home in Metairie, LA. He was a Professional Engineer, business owner and a US Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Agatha Mayronne Haydel; their four children, Craig Gerald Haydel (Karen), Brian George Haydel (Nancy), Sharon Haydel Buchert, and Carrie Haydel Berger (Eric); his sister Connie Haydel Nelson (Leo); eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Joseph Clement Haydel, Sr. and mother Anna Faucheux Haydel, both of Taft, LA, his brother Joseph Clement Haydel, Jr., and sisters Carole Haydel Falgout, and Ouida Haydel Callegan.

Jerry was born in Kenner, LA on April 26,1928 and grew up in Kenner and Lutcher, LA. He was a 1945 graduate of Lutcher High School, where he played alto saxophone in the school band. His interest in engineering was sparked when he worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers after high school. He then joined the US Navy and was stationed in Guam for most of his service. After serving his country, he returned to Louisiana and enrolled in Tulane University in New Orleans, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. After graduating from Tulane, he held various engineering and management positions in private industry and with consulting firms. In 1959, he co-founded Walk, Haydel & Associates, Inc. in partnership with Frank H Walk. The company grew to become one of the largest independent consulting engineering organizations in the southern United States and designed many of the petrochemical and industrial plants in operation today. The company was instrumental in designing the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) and several US Strategic Petroleum Reserve sites. Walk, Haydel received numerous Engineering Excellence Awards from the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and Jerry personally received numerous honors and awards, including the Louisiana Engineering Society (LES) A.B. Patterson Award and the ASCE New Orleans Lifetime Award. In 2002, he was named Tulane University Alumnus of the Year for the Class of 1952. The Gerald M. Haydel Bio-Process Laboratory at Tulane is named in his honor. Jerry served on the Tulane School of Engineering Board of Advisors, the Tulane Emeritus Club Board of Governors, and the St. Martin’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees. He was a member of LES, ASCE, Metairie Country Club, the Plimsoll Club, the Mercedes-Benz Club of New Orleans, and was a charter member of the Pendennis Club of New Orleans.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a serious man, with a light heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved music and telling jokes and was known to have a song and a joke for every occasion. He enjoyed fishing, antique cars, traveling, cooking, playing the harmonica, and singing, and he spent much time entertaining family and friends with his music. An avid supporter of Tulane athletics, his first Tulane game was a 46-0 win over LSU in 1948. He was a New Orleans Saints charter season ticket holder. An enthusiastic fisherman, he spent many pleasant days in his boat with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.