Bruce Wayne Desselle, age 70

Bruce Wayne Desselle, age 70, passed away on Friday January 4th, 2019 at The Carpenter House in Lafayette at 7:45am. He succumbed to cancer surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 25th, 1948 to Raymond James Desselle and Etta Rita ”Tatoo” Armand Desselle in Avoyelles Parish, the oldest of four children.

Bruce worked in the oilfield in various positions for 48 years. He served in the Army in Vietnam. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service. He was a member of the American Legion for many years.

Bruce loved to spend time with his family and friends enjoying such things as hunting, fishing, camping, and visiting the casinos, where winning was not as important as sharing time with those that he loved. He had a passion for his Cajun culture, spoke Cajun French fluently every chance he got, and loved to play the drums and dance; even doing so in his last weeks of life.

Bruce Desselle was definitely a man of passion. He loved others every bit as much as others loved him. He was one of those rare individuals to whom everyone flocked for advice, camaraderie, and fun. He was as generous with his time as he was with his desire to help people in any way that he could. He was a man of honor and courage, who will be missed by many, and forgotten by none.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Ted Allen Desselle.

Bruce is survived by his five children; Wendi Desselle Breaux and her husband Byron Breaux, Nicole Desselle, and John Desselle all from Lafayette, LA; Angelle Desselle-Smith and her husband Brett Smith of Little Rock, AR; and Danielle Desselle of Kerrville, TX. He also left behind twelve grandchildren, Harley and Taylor Desselle; Jasper, Tristan, and Jayden Nugier; Logan Desselle; Brennon and Aralynn Breaux; Hannah, Ezekiel, and Eliana Smith; and Chevelle Fruge’. His two sisters; Pamela Lemoine and her husband Michael Lemoine of Baton Rouge, LA; and Vickie Dufour and her husband Raymond Dufour of Moreauville, LA.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 at St. Peters' Catholic Church Hall in Bordelonville, LA. Visitation will be from 8:00-11:00 am & funeral mass will be at 11:00 am.