William "Bill" Desselle

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of William Curtis Desselle (fondly known as “Bill”) on October 8, 2023, in Groves, Texas. Bill was born on April 17, 1947, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Bill had a wonderful high school experience at La Grange High School where he was known for his sense of fun and adventure. He was a proud member of the cheerleading squad. After graduating high school, Bill was hired as an operator at Cities Service petroleum plant where he worked with dedication and commitment. He married Madelyn Walters from Sulphur, Louisiana, and they were blessed with three children. Bill was a man of faith and served on the church vestry at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Sulphur. He also volunteered for several years with the Special Olympics, where he found great joy in helping others. With his hard work and dedication, Bill was eventually promoted to Supervisor of the Powerhouse at Citgo (the plant once known as Cities Service). In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf as well as going fishing and hunting. His favorite pastime was gathering family and friends to provide good food and good times. His energy could always light up any room or back porch.

He was preceded in death by his parents M.P. Mack Desselle and Lillie Mae Hantz Desselle, his sister Francis Pauline Plauche, and brother Johnny Mack Desselle, and granddaughter Chelsea Farmer.

He is survived by his daughter Sherry Desselle and her wife Elaine Maccio of Baton Rouge, his daughter Vicky Farmer and Jason Farmer of Nederland, Texas, and his son John Desselle and husband Phil Griggs of Baton Rouge. Additional survivors include the mother of his children, Madelyn Walters of Sulphur, Bill’s sister Beth Ann Michel and her husband Terry of Lake Charles, his grandchildren Dylan Farmer and wife Jessi Farmer, Jake Farmer, and Gavin Farmer, great grandchildren Graceyn and Tessa Farmer, his God-children Michael Istre and Clint Riquelmy, and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

Bill will always be remembered for sense of humor, his infectious smile, generous nature, and his commitment to his family, friends, and community. He touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed. May his soul rest in peace.

Visitation be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1700 Maplewood Dr. in Sulphur, LA. His memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM.