Joe Billy Desormeaux

Lafayette - Joe Billy Desormeaux 10.12.1947 – 07.27.2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, Poppy (grandfather), brother and friend, Joe Billy Desormeaux on July 27, 2023, at the age of 75. His death resulted from a head injury. Those left to honor Joe Billy’s memory are his wife of 33 years Teresa Franks Desormeaux; his son Taylor Desormeaux (Arie); his bonus children Robin Green Stockton (Chuck) and Donovan Green; his grandchildren Madeline Adele Stockton, Samantha Carroll Stockton, Julian Saint Desormeaux and Georgia Quick Desormeaux; Taylor’s mother as well as our forever friend Deborah Craig Gordon (David); his brother Ted Desormeaux (Michelle) and their family; his sister-in-law Sandi Filip and her family; and his best friends Danny Boyd (Lynette) and Jeff Fox (Ellen). Joe Billy was born in Port Neches, Texas on October 12, 1947, to Lloyd Desormeaux and Daisy Champagne Desormeaux, both of whom preceded him in death. His sister-in-law Helen Desormeaux, whom he adored, also died prior to Joe Billy’s death. At the time of his death, Joe Billy lived a quiet, peaceful retirement that he loved and enjoyed, and our marriage was stronger than ever. Good times in a marriage are easy, so Joe Billy and I concentrated on what our marriage would look like when the inevitable heartbreak, sadness and trouble came. We decided no matter what, we would face every hard thing better together than we would apart. Every single one. His mantra for us was ‘then, now, forever’. Joe Billy didn’t have or even need a bucket list. He liked home and Texas. He often said, ‘I can’t help it – you’re my great escape’. Joe Billy’s greatest joy was family and friends. His circle was small, and he spent quality time with everyone in it. A favorite tradition was every Christmas when our crazy blended family – Desormeaux’s, Stocktons, Gordons and Green – gathered to celebrate. He helped me raise my kids Robin and Donovan, and he loved them as if they were his own. ‘Patio time’ with Chuck always included Joe Billy’s favorite things: authentic conversation, a good cigar, and a shot of whiskey. Chuck was more than a son-in-law. Joe Billy considered Chuck a best friend. His brother Ted could make Joe Billy laugh like no other. His face lit up whenever Ted’s face appeared on his phone. Visits with Danny, his best friend of 49 years, meant the world to Joe Billy. They talked guitars, guns, music, motorcycles, and of course, their glory days. They were like brothers. Jeff was a work friend who turned into a forever friend. Joe Billy was a man of few words, yet he and Jeff could talk on the phone for the longest time. Asked to sum up Joe Billy in 5 words or less, Jeff immediately replied, ‘still waters run deep’. The best of Joe Billy lives within his son Taylor. They both have a handsome face, an intelligent mind, and a romantic heart. They are passionate about music, cooking, family, and most things vintage. A few weeks before he died, Joe Billy shared with me that Taylor is the best father he has ever been around; the most hands-on father he has ever seen. Of all things in his life, Joe Billy was most proud of the father, husband and man his son Taylor has become. Happy Trails, Joe Billy. Until we meet again… There will be no service per Joe Billy’s request. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Special thanks to Father Frances and the staff of The Carpenter House, a St. Joseph Hospice. Joe Billy transitioned in comfort and peace surrounded with love and kindness at this incredible facility. Donations may be made in Joe Billy Desormeaux’s memory to The Carpenter House, 923 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508 Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

Joe Billy Desormeaux

October 12, 1947 - July 27, 2023