Gerald Joseph LaChute

Gerald Joseph LaChute, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at his home in Gonzales, LA with his loving wife, Cindy, by his side, after a long and courageous fight battling cirrhosis of the liver from exposure to the chemical agent orange during the time he served his country in Vietnam. Gerald was born on November 29, 1947 in New Orleans, LA to Joseph and Nola (Ansardi) LaChute of New Orleans. Gerald graduated from Behrman High School in 1967. He was then inducted into the United States Army in July of 1968. He fiercely fought for his country as a Staff Sargent in the Vietnam War until 1970, when he was honorably discharged. During his time of service, he was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Medal, Parachute Badge, the Combat Infantryman S Badge, as well as the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his return from serving his country, he married Cynthia Seaman LaChute on October 21, 1972 and together they had four children. Gerald became employed at Avondale Shipyards and then Crescent Towing, where he earned his Captain's License and continued working until he acquired his Pilot's License. Gerald was elected into The New Orleans Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association in 1976. He took much pride in and cherished the 42 years he spent piloting the Mississippi River. Gerald's special interests and hobbies included hunting and fishing, raising Thoroughbreds and Quarterhorses, as well as cattle. He had a green thumb and was passionate about farming and cultivating agriculture. Among other things, he loved photography, collecting, antiquing, cooking and enjoyed casinos, movies and traveling. Most of all, Gerald loved spending quality time with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Cynthia; sons, Patrick and Ross, daughters Allison Smith (Jeremy), Ashley Wiggins (Beau), 4 grandchildren, Haven Simoneaux, Bella Wiggins, Christian and Eliana Smith; sisters Doris LaChute McAbee and JoAnn LaChute Yancey. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Ourso Funeral Home, 13533 Airline Hwy. Gonzales, LA 70737. Open visitation will be held from 10-12:00 p.m. Pastor Duke Chance of New Life Ministries will be presiding over the service at 11 a.m. Graveside military service and burial will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303. W. Mount Pleasant Road, Zachary, LA 70791, at 1 p.m. To view and sign the guestbook, please visit www.OursoFH.com.