Donald James Broussard

Donald James Broussard, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024 in a Lake Charles care center. He was born on February 8, 1935 in Erath, Louisiana, to Nelson and Aline Bourgeois Broussard.

Donald’s family moved to Lake Charles while he was still very young. He attended school here and graduated from Landry High School where he participated in multiple sports including football and boxing. He was regarded as one of the classiest boxers at the time to come out of Lake Charles and was best known for his left hook. He won many tournaments and was a Louisiana State Golden Gloves Champion.

Donald married Laurene Ruckstuhl in 1956 and they had three children, Philip Bryan Broussard, Timothy Scott Broussard and Laurene Elizabeth “Beth” Broussard. He and Laurene hosted many family celebrations and their annual Easter and Thanksgiving tradition drew large numbers of both family and friends.

He started his working career as an ironworker out of Local 678 for a while and moved on to Operations at Hercules Plastics Plant for several years before starting up a J&J Exterminating Co. branch in Lake Charles with his son Tim, from which he later retired.

At a young age his hobbies were raising beagles, hunting rabbits and competing in field trials.

After retirement he spent most of his time hunting and fishing, eventually building his camp at Toledo Bend where his passion became white perch fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed hunting with Laurene and his friend of many years Jerry Brocato.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons Philip Bryan Broussard, Timothy Scott Broussard and wife Sharon “Lee Lee” Broussard and their daughter Laurene Elizabeth Broussard (Jared Faulk); his grandchildren, Matthew Bryan Broussard and wife Cassie, Philip Brandon Broussard, Kanon Kade Broussard and wife Katy, and Karlee Kay Broussard; his great grandchildren, Brandon Michael Broussard, Adam Joseph Broussard, Maddux Kade Broussard and Auldyn Alise Broussard; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws and his lifelong friend, Pat Thies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Laurene Ruckstuhl Broussard; his siblings Nelson Broussard and wife Shirley Broussard, Ruth Ann Broussard Ciccotelli and husband Chick Ciccotelli, and Elaine Broussard Vest and husband Hobert Vest; his sister-in-law, Mildred Walling and husband Roy Walling and his grandson, Joshua Keith Broussard; his nephews, Kurt Ciccotelli, Tom Ciccotelli, Rick Vest, Billy Vest and Donnie Vest; his nieces, Sharon Ciccotelli, Patrice Ciccotelli and Carol Ciccotelli.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Bryan Broussard, Philip Brandon Broussard, Kanon Kade Broussard, Brandon Michael Broussard, Adam Joseph Broussard and Ricky Vest.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, located at 3939 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA. Msgr. James Gaddy will serve as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the funeral home, located at 4321 Lake Street, beginning at 4:00 PM on Thursday evening and continuing until 8:00 PM, with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Friday morning at 9:00 am and continue until leaving in procession to the church.

The family would like to give special thanks to The Guardians Nursing Facility and staff for exceptional care given to Dad, and his special niece Belinda Vest Hebert for her help throughout his illness.