Oswald A. Decuir

1940 - 2024

Judge Oswald A. Decuir, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on August 23, 1940, in New Iberia, Louisiana, he was the eldest son of Oswald Sr. and Beverly Landry Decuir. A graduate of New Iberia Senior High (1958), he went on to graduate from Louisiana State University (1962), where he met and married his college sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Loretta Young Decuir. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University Law School (1966). While serving as a Clerk for the Louisiana Supreme Court, he was admitted to the Louisiana Bar Association in 1966 and remained an active member until his passing. Judge Decuir led a distinguished and esteemed career as a jurist and statesman, marked by 58 years as an attorney, 17 years as a Louisiana State Senator, and 20 years as an Appellate Judge on the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Decuir's passing is mourned by his many friends, family, colleagues, and a grateful community that he served throughout his life and career. His legacy of public service will endure through the countless lives that he touched. In addition to his legal pursuits, Oswald cherished time spent with his family and friends. Judge Decuir was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bill Mitchell and Bob Mitchell, and stepfather, William Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Young Decuir, his sister Myra Decuir Gosnell; his son Jon Scott Decuir (Loren Mancuso Decuir); his grandchildren, Dr. Jon Scott Decuir, Jr. (Aimee Andrepont Decuir) and Laura Decuir Robbins (Jonathon Robbins); and his great-granddaughters Marie Louise "Marilou" and Amelie Anne Decuir. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Judge Oswald A. Decuir at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery. Rev. William Blanda will be the Celebrant. Pallbearers will be Jerry Streva, Mark Gosnell, Tony Landry, Bryan Mitchell, Burt Cestia, and Dr. Jon Scott Decuir, Jr. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Pellerin Funeral Home, continuing Tuesday, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A rosary, led by Deacon Durk Viator, will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Monday. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).