Eugene "Gene" Joseph Stelly

Eugene Joseph Stelly, age 78, was born on January 27, 1947, in Leonville, Louisiana. He passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, November 20, 2025. He lived a life marked by service, kindness, and love for his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene Stelly will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, Louisiana. Father Darren Eldridge will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will be held at in the St. Leo Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited in the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening. The funeral home will reopen for visitation on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Eugene dedicated a significant part of his career as a rig engineer offshore. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Eugene proudly served for four years as an airplane mechanic, a role that highlighted his commitment to service and his technical skills.

Outside of his professional life, Eugene was known for his warm personality and readiness to assist those in need. His compassion extended to everyone around him, making him a trusted friend and neighbor. He found happiness in life's simple pleasures, especially in spending time outdoors, where he loved hunting and fishing.

Family was at the heart of Eugene's life. He cherished the moments spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating a legacy of memories filled with laughter and love. He is survived by his sons, Kevin Stelly and his wife, Jane, of Port Barre, La.; Chris Ledoux and his wife, Ann, of Walker, La.; and Chad Ledoux and his wife, Wendy, of Lafayette, La. and his daughter, Tina Stevens and her husband, Craig, of Port Barre, La.; his brothers, Nathan Stelly and his wife, Thelma, of Houma, La.; Anthony Stelly of Church Point, La.; and Dale Stelly and wife, Cheryl, of Opelousas, La. He leaves a legacy through his grandchildren, Tyler Stevens (Katie), Haley Lanclos (Cole), Ryann Ledoux, Emily Stelly, Rebekah Stelly, and Reese Ledoux, along with his great-grandchildren, Kaiden Stevens, Hudson Stevens, Emma Lanclos, Remi Lanclos, Easton Stelly, and Annalise Aucoin.

Eugene is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patsy Nell Stelly; his parents, Walter Joseph and Emma Lou Manuel Stelly; and his brother, Lawrence Stelly.

His life was a testament to dedication, love, and the importance of family, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.