Raymond Despanie

Raymond (Duke) Despanie was born on February 17, 1947, to Mildred Sias Chevalier and Clifton Despanie, Sr. He attended Paul Breaux High School followed by an enlistment into the US Army in 1968 where he courageously fought in the Vietnam War. He was citated with National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Over-seas Bars, and the Marksman and Sharpshooter Qualifications for Mk-14 and MK-16 rifles. He was wounded by enemy fire and received a Purple Heart.

Upon his return, Raymond met and fell in love with his wonderful wife of 54 years, Mary (Kalisia) Despanie and they began their life and family in Lafayette, Louisiana. After 20 years in Lafayette, they moved and settled in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In Lake Charles, he obtained his CDL and worked as cross-country truck driver for various places such as Deaton Trucking, Angelle Cement Company, Calcasieu Parish School Board Bus driver, Highland Transportation Services for the US military, and was a resident driver for Verandah Retirement Community home where he was loved by the staff and residents.

He spent his life making everyone around him laugh and feel the warmth of what true fatherhood looked like. Regardless of your affiliation to him, if you knew him, he felt like a second father to your original. He made everyone feel special in his own way. God, family and music were the cornerstones of his life and the legacy he leaves.

He is survived by his wife (Mary "Kalisia" Despanie); 2 Daughters- Tyshia Monet Powell (Linwood) and La Thonya Peltier Larkin; 3 Sons- Troy Derek Sterling (Keisha), Rahsaan McCann Despanie and Warland Demond Despaine (De'Adria); 10 Grandchildren-Alisha Larkin, Jenelle Larkin, Jelisa Larkin, Breeon Deonte Moreno, Mariah LaShay Sterling, Alori Dai'Andra Powell, Troy Derek Sterling Jr., Linwood Jerome Powell III, Malaysia Arie Sterling and Tyla Rahvai Lorin Powell; Sisters- Shirley Helaire (Joseph), Geraldine Broussard (Clinton), Delores Daniels; Brothers- William Lee Chevalier, Clarence Sias (Patricia), Clifton Despanie (Dorothy), Rhoss Despanie, Thomas Despanie; bother in laws- Joseph Richard (Gail), Phil Green Rochon, Joseph Green (Louella), and Kevin Green (Rena); sister in laws- Gustavia LaCarna (John), Carolyn Richard, Emma Lee Richard, Linda Green, Cynthia (Black) Green, Janice Green Veronica Sias and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Raymond is preceded in death by his father, Clifton Despanie; mother, Mildred Sias Chevalier; mother in law- Vergis Sterling Richard Chargois; brothers, Alan "Rocky" Despanie, Joseph Alex Chevalier, Nathan Sias, Joseph John Sias Sr. and Jerry James Sias; sisters, Janice Despanie Norman and Carolyn Despanie; sister in laws- Cheryl Green and Theresa (Cyn) Green.

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