Frank Deerman

LAFAYETTE - Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel in Carencro for Frank Deerman, age 90, who passed away Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 2:15 a.m. at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette.

The songs will be I Can Only Imagine, I Will Walk With You and Up & Away - Air Force Song.

Mr. Deerman was a native of Vienna, Austria who as a young boy fled the country during Nazi German Annexation. He boxed and later fenced. Mr. Deerman worked as an oilfield pilot and continued as a flight instructor after his retirement. He enjoyed classical music, art and opera, skydiving and riding his motorcycle. He loved to go back to his childhood home and share his experiences with loved ones. He spoke four languages fluently and was an avid photographer and loved nature. Mr. Deerman was a veteran of the Air Force, having served during WWII.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Pellerin Deerman of Lafayette; two stepsons, Mark Pellerin and Alan Pellerin, both of Sunset; three stepdaughters, Ramona Pellerin of Lafayette, Marguerite Pellerin Reed and her husband, Michael, of Crowley and Carisa Pellerin Dutel and her husband, Byron, of Lafayette, and nine grandchildren: Stephen Tate, Bayson Kees, Christopher Brown, Robert Dutel, Lauren Reed, Logan Pellerin, Michelle Reed, Ross Pellerin and Allie Beth Reed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Desire and Catharina Diamondstein; his first wife Sarah; and one stepdaughter, Brigid Pellerin Brown.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 9:00 a.m. Saturday until service time on Saturday.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.melanconfuneralhome.net.

Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 N. University Ave., Carencro, (337) 896-3232, is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Advertiser from Jun. 4 to Jun. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Deerman

7 Entries

Matt Houston

April 21, 2020

I will always remember Mr. Deerman as he was my reason for my love of flying. He signed off on me to solo in just 7.2 hours. You will always be remembered when I am flying high in the sky!

Sharon Savoie

June 8, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Deerman and the family of Mr. Deerman. I was so saddened and shocked to learn of his passing. As a front-desk secretary/receptionist, I had the honor and privilege of talking with
Mr. Deerman and getting to know him when he would come by our office during tax season. Just a few short months ago, I can remember an extensive conversation we shared at my desk about his youth in Austria, coming to America, his profession and life in general. I was so moved by his stories of his life as a young boy in Austria. I could tell that he so enjoyed telling me all about his
fascinating life, as much as I was deeply engaged in hearing it. He did so with grace, humility and passion.
Never would I have guessed that day would have been the last visit with him at my desk.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers
for God's peace and comfort.
As for my friend Mr. Deerman,
I certainly will miss seeing you and those little talks at my desk, along with your sweet smile and gentle nature. Rest in God's peace my friend.

Tucker Axum

June 5, 2015

I am very sorry for your loss. I did not have the privilege of knowing Frank, but he taught my son Tucker Axum III to fly and achieve his pilots license when he was 20. Tucker always spoke highly of Frank, he may be gone but he has left his mark, thank you Frank.

Tucker Axum

June 5, 2015

I started taking flight lessons with Mr. Deerman in the Fall of 1999. I was attending UL Lafayette at the time and he gave me a student discount--only $20.00 per hour while others were charging anywhere from $25.00 - $35.00 per hour. I remember him being a stern instructor with not much of a sense of humor. Seems like he was always yelling at me in the cockpit for one thing or another. I'll never forget my 2nd flight with him. He told me to execute a 360 degree turn. When I asked if he wanted me to turn left or right, he shouted "Don't ask questions! When I speak, you do it! Now, do it." I'm not sure if he grew to trust me or if it was just his advanced age, but toward the middle of my training, he would fall asleep while I was flying and I would have to wake him up when I was getting close to landing. I'll never forget the lesson he taught me when it came to emergencies: "In der Not frisst der Teufel fliegen." Rest In Peace Mr. Deerman.

June 4, 2015

My Sympathy to you Betty& family ,,Frank was so much a gentleman,,Rest in peace ,Frank,we will miss you,

Lynn DuBois

June 4, 2015

With Sympathy and love.

June 4, 2015

Betty, we are sorry for your loss. Dad especially liked Frank. I won't be able to make the funeral, but you will be in our prayers. Jim Vildibill and family.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results