Tom Leslie Duraso

Tom Leslie Duraso, a longtime resident of Westlake, Louisiana, passed away on August 19, 2026. Born on July 4, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Tom lived a life defined by hard work, an unmistakable personality, and, above all, a deep love for his family.

Tom attended Iowa High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for two years. A talented carpenter and dedicated worker, Tom spent much of his life in the construction trade. His craftsmanship could be seen in the many homes and kitchens he helped build throughout the years, and he also took pride in having helped construct a juvenile detention center. He was known by his family as an exceptionally hard worker who was rarely afraid to tackle a project.

Westlake was home to Tom for many years. After losing his home during the hurricanes of 2020, he eventually relocated to DeRidder, where he remained until his passing.

When Tom wasn’t working, there was a good chance he could be found outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed traveling in search of good game with his brother, Curt. Fishing, however, held a particularly special place in his heart. He loved taking his children and grandchildren out on the boat, where countless memories were made fishing and swimming together. He especially enjoyed fishing with his son, Timothy, and the two also spent many hours working on projects side by side.

Tom also loved a good Western. One of his most treasured traditions was watching Tombstone with his daughter, Ashly, whenever it came on television.

Those who knew Tom personally knew exactly what kind of man he was. He could be a handful, was affectionately known as a “mouth of the South,” and was never shy about saying exactly what was on his mind. You never had to wonder where you stood with Tom. Beneath that strong and outspoken personality, however, was a man who loved his family tremendously. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and few things brought him greater happiness than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Tom leaves behind his daughter, Ashly Jacobson and husband Terry, along with their sons, Ethan, Hunter, and Austin; his daughter-in-law, Kirstie Roussel, and her children, Heather, Shayne, Gavyn, Khloe, Ghauge, Hailyn, and Jakey; his brother, Curt Duraso and wife Jan, their daughter Danika, and her two children; his twin sister, Gerry, and her daughter Anita; his sister Jennifer, and her children Leanne and Daniel; and his sister Crystal and husband T.J., and their son Gage as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James W. Duraso; his mother, Anita Mae Fontenot; his beloved wife, Belinda Duraso; his son, Timothy Allen Duraso; his stepson, Floyd; his nephew, Nolan Fontenot; and his grandson, Jody Duraso.

Tom will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his love of fishing and hunting, his Westerns, his unmistakable sense of humor and personality, and the many stories that came from a life lived entirely on his own terms. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he had for his children and grandchildren and for the memories they made together—on the water, around a project, watching an old Western, or simply enjoying one another’s company.