Donell Derrick Chagnard

Funeral Mass for Donell Derrick Chagnard of Simmesport will begin at 11:00am on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Simmesport with Fr. Kurian Zachariah officiating. Entombment will follow at the Christ the King Mausoleum in Simmesport.

Donell Chagnard, age 83, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Bayou Chateau Nursing Home in Simmesport. Mr. Donell retired from the New Orleans Fire Department in September 1989 with 27 ½ years of service. He was a devout Catholic and was a man of service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club International. He was an avid outdoorsman born and raised in New Orleans who loved to hunt and fish.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carole Gremillion Chagnard; his four children, Mary Morvant (Eddie Morvant), Donell C. Chagnard (Angela Compagno Chagnard), Jeffrey Chagnard (Joy Fletcher Chagnard), and Holly Balsamo (James Balsamo); his sister, Debra C. Rohr; his brother, Vernon Chagnard. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Blaise Chagnard, Burke Chagnard, Jenna Chagnard, Jacob Chagnard, Aidan Balsamo, Seth Mosteiro, and Gianna Mosteiro.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Rovira Chagnard; his parents, Felcian R. Chagnard & Verna McKean Chagnard; his siblings: Carrel C. Thomas, Adele C. Keen, Cynthia C. Rocquin, Myrna C. Hosli, Raymond F. Chagnard, and Noel K. Chagnard.

Visitation will begin at 8:00am until 10:45am on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Escude Funeral Home in Simmesport.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 625 Main St. Simmesport, LA 71369.