Harris J. DesOrmeaux
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice for Harris J. DesOrmeaux, age 80, who passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. The family requests that visitation be observed at Martin & Castille's SOUTHSIDE location on Monday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. Visiting will resume Tuesday at 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.
Interment will be held in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
Very Reverend Thomas Voorhies, VF will officiate the funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral service.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Hebert DesOrmeaux; his children, Keith DesOrmeaux, Kent DesOrmeaux, Kristie Wright (Coy), Kelli Maeda (Kenji), Kalen Duhon (Kyle), and Kip DesOrmeaux; his grandchildren, Bailey DesOrmeaux, Joshua DesOrmeaux, Jacob DesOrmeaux, Halie Wright David, Hannah Wright Besson, Holden Wright, Sophie Wright, Samuel Wright, Sawyer Wright, Lunden Maeda, Remi Maeda, Zara Maeda, Kameron Duhon, Kohen Duhon, and Kole Duhon; his great-grandchildren, Charlie DesOrmeaux, Asher DesOrmeaux, Parker David, and Charleigh-Kate David; his two brothers, Roney DesOrmeaux (Joyce), and Clarence "T-Boy" Desormeaux (Cathy); and his step-father, Dallas Hebert.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sabrey DesOrmeaux, and his mother, Alice Pellerin Desormeaux Hebert; one brother, Daniel DesOrmeaux; and one sister Renella Wolfe and her husband Kevin.
Harris was a remarkable man of our community who leaves behind a legacy of love and family values that will endure for generations to come.
Born on September 2, 1942, in Milton, Louisiana, Harris had a deep love for horses and livestock farming. This passion led him to create the infamous Acadiana Downs bushtrack. He has six children of extraordinary success, including a hall-of-fame jockey, Kent, and a horse trainer, Keith, who together won an American Classic-The Preakness.
Harris also enjoyed fishing and eating seafood, especially in the company of his family. His selfless yet humble nature was evident in all aspects of his life, from his interactions with his family and friends to his service to our country. Harris proudly served in the United States Army, and he was a man of great integrity and honor.
He was a devoted husband to Brenda, his wife of 59 years, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished his wife and family above all else, and his love for them was unwavering and unconditional. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
For those preferring memorial contributions, the family suggests they be made in Harris J. DesOrmeaux's memory to the DesOrmeaux Foundation, 1331 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 or online at desormeauxfoundation.org
Special thanks to Dr. Molly Thomas and her oncology staff for their compassionate care and support.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille - SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811.