Syble Duplechian Deshotel

Syble Duplechian Deshotel, 88, of Lake Charles passed away Thursday, April 05, 2018 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Deshotel was born in Oberlin, LA and has lived most of her life in Lake Charles. She was a graduate of Elton High School. Her work with veterans dated back to early childhood. She grew up during World War II, and her first memory of war was singing in the church choir for funerals of war veterans. Her first job at the age of 18 involved assisting in the opening of trade schools for veterans seeking training under the new GI Bill. A total of eleven trade schools were opened in her Southwest Louisiana area. She also was instrumental in the formation of six American Legion Posts. Mrs. Deshotel moved to Lake Charles in the early 1950’s and instantly became involved in the USO and Gold Star Mothers programs. Her strong commitment to veterans was enhanced when she joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 1962. Her first Auxiliary activities were with the Poppy and Girls State Programs. As Louisiana Department President in the early 1980’s, Mrs. Deshotel started a library on site of the newly constructed Louisiana Veteran’s Home. During this time, she also assisted in the furnishings of a VA medical center warehouse with clothing for numerous elderly and handicapped veterans who came to the facility. Mrs. Deshotel’s work with veterans continued on a national level with her assignment to the National Security committee. All of this hard work helped Mrs. Deshotel develop into a knowledgeable, capable leader to nearly one-million members of the American Legion Auxiliary. Her enthusiasm and compassion for veterans and families were the driving force behind her successful Auxiliary career. That driving force led members through the Auxiliary’s 76th year of service to God and Country. Mrs. Deshotel loved Mardi Gras and was a founding member of the Krewe of Noblesse, of which she remained very active for many years. She will be most remembered for her love and devotion to her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of sixty-eight years, Ignace James “I.J.” Deshotel of Lake Charles; one daughter, Madeline Deshotel Nelson and husband Alfred of Porter, TX; one grandson, Michael Nelson and wife Lindsey of Porter, TX; one granddaughter, Rachel Nelson Gates and husband Paul of Denver, CO; three great-grandsons, Carston, Case and Brodie Nelson; three great-granddaughters, Ruthie, Mariam and Esther Gates; one sister, Rita Gail Kirkpatrick of Lake Charles; one sister-in-law, Loretta Lantz of Lake Charles and a niece, Melody Hart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Dalicor Duplechian and Sena Darbonne Duplechian and brother, James Duplechian.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 08, 2018 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Deacon Glenn Viau will officiate. Interment will follow in Liberty Cemetery in Elton, LA. Visitation Sunday will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. An American Legion Auxiliary service will begin at 1:00 PM with a rosary to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary or the Needy Vets Program.