John Dale Doucet

OPELOUSAS- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for John Dale Doucet on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM at Our Lady of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas. The Very Reverend Msgr. Keith DeRouen will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be held in the church on Monday from 2:30 PM until the time of Mass. Rite of Committal will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas.

John Dale Doucet, a cherished pillar of the Opelousas community and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at Senior Village Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 29, 1939, in St. Landry, Louisiana, and his journey through life was as vibrant and rich as the unforgettable sunsets over the bayous of his childhood.

For 40 remarkable years, Dale devoted himself to serving the public as the owner and operator of Piggly Wiggly in Opelousas, where he greeted each customer with warmth and genuine kindness. His store was more than just a place to grab groceries; it was a gathering spot where friends exchanged laughter and stories.

A proud veteran of the Marine Corps, Dale carried the values of discipline and dedication with him throughout his life. An avid golfer, Dale found solace on the greens, where he played daily, his swing as smooth as the Louisiana breeze. Even as the sun dipped below the horizon, Dale remained a passionate fan of the New Orleans Saints football team, cheering them on with fervor that sparked delight. In the quiet evenings, Dale would often settle in to watch a good western.

Dale is survived by his wife of 61½ years, Maryann Breaux Doucet; sons, Kevin Doucet and wife Laura, and Kern Doucet; daughter, Mara Bellelo and husband Rick; brother, Mark Doucet and wife Mindy; sister, Maxine Doucet; 5 grandchildren, Logan Danielle Doucet, Gavin Dale Doucet and wife Ashley, Jordan Elizabeth Doucet, Zachary Bellelo and Gabrielle Bellelo; and 1 great-grandchild, Beckham Dale Doucet.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Doucet and Altha Duplechain Doucet; mother and father-in-law, Blanche L. Breaux and Overton Breaux; and brother-in-law, Fr. Joe Breaux.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Doucet, Kern Doucet, Gavin Doucet, Rick Bellelo, Zach Bellelo and Chris Prejean. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Doucet, Phil Prejean, Charles Breaux, Gregg Breaux and Rhyn Duplechain.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.