JERRY PRESTON LACOSTE

November 16, 1941- January 1, 2016
Jerry Preston LaCoste Sr., 74, a resident of Amelia, passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in Morgan City, Louisiana, on Nov. 16, 1941, the son of Richard and Mary Billiot LaCoste.
Jerry was a kind, gentle, and loving soul. He could make a room laugh with his jokes and stories he would tell. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Jerry loved spending time at the camp with his sons, grandsons, and best friends, Randolph Percle Sr. and Mike Tamporello. He loved football, old movies, and old songs. Jerry was a carpenter by trade. He retired from the St. Mary Parish School Board after 25 years of service.
While working at Conrads, Jerry was approached by Mr. Parker Conrad and Mayor “Doc” Brownell to build a new “Spirit of Morgan City” trawler to replace the one that was deteriorating. It still rests today on Brashear Avenue at its intersection with Federal Avenue in Morgan City. He was proud of his Native American heritage which led him to design the logo for the United Houma Nation, which is featured in the Smithsonian.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Mary Robicheaux LaCoste of Amelia; three sons, Eugene LaCoste and wife, Amanda Rivere, of Amelia, Jerry LaCoste Jr. and wife, Christine LaCoste, of Morgan City, and Ruble LaCoste of Amelia; one daughter, Desiree LaCoste and companion, Bethanna Merritt, of Morgan City; 15 grandchildren, Kayla Gros, Jamie Lynn Sons, Donavan LaCoste, Dylan LaCoste, Marki Rivere, Matti Rivere, Devin Leblanc, Drake LaCoste, Codey LaCoste, Zachary LaCoste, Kayla Landry, Thomas Landry, Devin Deshotel, Tyler Deshotel, and Brooke Deshotel; two great-grandchildren, McKenzie Holland and Drayden LaCoste; one great-granddaughter on the way in April; and two sisters, Evadell LaCoste Tabor and Florence LaCoste Breaux.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Richard LaCoste Sr. and Mary Billiot LaCoste; a brother, Richard “Junius” LaCoste Jr.; and four sisters, Louise LaCoste Leblanc, Leola LaCoste Elliot, Martha LaCoste Bergeron, and Shirley LaCoste Canty.
Visitation will be held today, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home and resume Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery following Mass.