Dellie Abner Mardis Jr.

In the twilight of a world much enriched by his presence, we mark the passage of a soul both noble and kind, Dellie Abner Mardis, Jr., known fondly to his friends and family as "Flat." On July 15, 2025 he passed away peacefully in Friendswood Texas, at the age of 100, with his beloved granddaughter, Anouk Davis, at his side.
Flat, a man of learning, service, and spirit was a graduate of Fayette High School in 1942 and soon after answered the call to serve his country in the Navy Airforce bombing squadron 111 during World War II in both North Africa and Japan. He returned to his studies with a steadfast heart, and from the hallowed halls of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), he earned a BBA in Business Administration. A brother in the noble fraternity of Pi Kappa Alpha, he carried forth the ideals of scholarship and camaraderie throughout his life.
He met the love of his life, Lois, in Meridian, Mississippi. After a few years, Flat and Lois with their daughter, Linda, and his stepdaughter, Joan, moved to New Orleans, where they built a rich life. He enjoyed playing golf at his beloved Metairie Country Club, partaking in the revelry of Mardi Gras, and of course indulging in so many of the best restaurants. They were devoted members of St. Luke's Methodist Church.
In the realm of commerce and trade, Flat started out in the roots of accounting though his destiny lay in the vast expanse of the oil fields. Ultimately, an Independent Oil Man, Flat was a founding member of the Louisiana Delta Offshore Drilling Company, which went for public offering in 1956. Eventually this company would merge with Capata Offshore in Houston in 1966. Not content to rest on his laurels, Flat went on to become a founding partner in Secan Oil Company where he lent his expertise from 1968-1983. Thereafter, he embraced the mantle of a truly independent oilman, a title he bore with dignity and honor.
When Hurricane Katrina displaced his home in New Orleans, Flat and his beloved wife of over 50 years, Lois, moved to Friendswood Texas to be closer to family. Together, they found joy in their new chapter-welcoming the births of great grandsons Jett and Lex and treasuring time spent with their granddaughter Anouk and her husband Jason. "Popi" and "Mimi" delighted in visiting with family and remembering so many good times in New Orleans until Lois's passing in 2009. Flat remained a steadfast presence in the lives of his Texas Family, attending outings such as the zoo, Houston Rodeo, then progressing to baseball and basketball games, and even tennis matches creating memories his great grandsons will cherish forever. He never let his age slow him down in his support and love for his family.
In the final act of his storied life, Flat became a popular figure at his independent living community, living there for just shy of 20 years bringing joy, laughter, and camaraderie to both residents and staff. He became a beloved "Popi" to many of Anouk's friends and even some of their children with whom he spent holidays together and others in the wider Friendswood community. His kindness, humor, and storytelling charmed the corners of most rooms he entered-from local restaurants to community events. His tales of both the oil fields and business lunches in New Orleans, rich with humor and color, left lasting impressions on all who heard them.
Flat is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Mardis; his parents, D. A. and Virginia Mardis; his sisters, Regina Marshall and Marie Shipp; daughter, Linda Rognon; and stepdaughter Joan McCabe (Gene).
Flat is survived by his son-in-law; Michel Rognon; granddaughter, Anouk Davis and husband, Jason; grandsons, Jett and Lex; step granddaughters, Analisa Herrera (Augusto) and Cyndi Brown (Carl); step great grandson, Nicolas Hererra; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service: Thursday August 7th 6:00pm at Friendswood Friends Church in Friendswood TX.
Visitation: 10am-12pm Saturday August 9th with funeral to follow at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans, LA.
Flat lived with purpose, gave with joy, and loved big. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.