Obituary of Joseph De Blieux

RETIRED ATTORNEY AND FORMER STATE SENATOR JOSEPH DAVIS De BLIEUX Joseph Davis De Blieux was born in Columbia, LA, September 12, 1912. He was the eldest of the children of Ozet Perot De Blieux and Honore Louis De Blieux, who preceded him in death. Mr. De Blieux died at Oak Woods Home For the Elderly in Mer Rouge, Sunday, March 13, 2005 at the age of 92. Mr. De Blieux was a man from meager means, but dreamed big on bettering himself, his family and fellow-man. He worked very intently to obtain his education and become a credit of his determination to help others. He graduated from Ouachita Parish High School and in 1932 was graduated from Northeast Junior College, his major being pre-law. He worked his way through L.S.U. Law School taking odd jobs such as running the elevator in the State Capital, plus many other low pay honest endeavors to meet the requirements of financial needs to obtain his college education. In 1938 he graduated from Louisiana State University Law School and established a law practice in Baton Rouge, LA. De Blieux struggled through the depression years, never losing sight of his dedication to be of service to others. In 1941 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served four years in the Mid-east as a Staff Sgt. Law Clerk. In 1946 he returned to the States and continued his law practice and entered political life. He was elected to the State Senate in 1956. He gained notoriety for his out spoken beliefs of principles and morals. He was noted for defense of the working man and patriotism. He served in the State Senate four terms, sixteen years and sacrificed his political future defending "Civil Rights". He was named outstanding senator for one of the years while serving and was invited to the White House for a personal meeting with President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady, Lady Bird. This was for the purpose of commending him for his works. De Blieux's by-line was the Biblical quote, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" He reminded people in conversation that he was busy trying to buy Eternal Insurance. The late Governor John McKeithen said, "There has never been a man in the Legislature more honest than J.D. De Blieux." De Blieux served as a leader and officer in many religious, civic and governmental organizations, The Amvets, American Legion Commander, V.F.W., MADD, Lions Club, Kiwanis, American Bar Association, member of four prayer groups, Knights of Columbus Council # 969, 4th Degree Knights of St. Gregory(an honor bestowed by the Pope), Democratic Central Committee and other organizations. He received many honors for his dedication. De Blieux was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral, Baton Rouge, LA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy Lepine De Blieux; his son, Paul Louis De Blieux; a sister, Nita De Blieux Brinson; two brothers,Henry Lester De Blieux and Honore Louis De Blieux, Jr. He is survived by four brothers, James De Blieux,W.V. De Blieux, John A. De Blieux and Robert De Blieux; six sisters, Mildred De Blieux, Helen De Blieux Hughes, all of Bastrop, LA, Lois De Blieux Compton, Benton, AR, Tina De Blieux Stephenson, Monroe, LA, Peggy De Blieux Cayer, Ruston, LA, Alma De Blieux Honeycutt of Mer Rouge, LA, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Funeral services will be under the direction of Rabenhorst Funeral Home at 825 Government St.,Baton Rouge, LA. Visiting hours will be from 4 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 and the Funeral Mass celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral at 10 a.m. March 16 in Baton Rouge, LA officiated by Father John Kennedy and Monsignor Gerald Lefebvre. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be James B. Fredrick, Dave Kimball, Robert Parker, John Dale Powers, Ralf Brewer and Alex Bourgeous. Honorary Pallbearers are the Knights of Council # 969, Baton Rouge, LA. In lieu of flowers the family kindly suggests memorials be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bastrop, LA or the Knights of Columbus Council # 969, Baton Rouge, LA. The family extends thanks to all persons that supported J.D. in his life time and all who extended love and care in his "sun-set" of life, especially Oak Woods Home For the Elderly, of Mer Rouge, LA. There will be a 6:30 p.m. Memorial Mass, Friday March 18 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bastrop, LA with Father John Kennedy officiating followed by visitation with family.