Roy John €œJohnny” Despeaux Jr.

Roy John “Johnny” Despeaux Jr. went to his eternal rest on October 22, 2021, at his home in Covington, LA, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Johnny lived a life of adventure and service. While growing up next door to his grandparents’ drugstore in Buras, he learned entrepreneurship firsthand and carried those lessons into his own business endeavors. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelors in Urban Planning and went on to join St. Bernard Parish as a City Planner, a Secretary/Treasurer, and eventually an elected Police Juror in Chalmette. He undertook innumerable projects, including launching a video poker business and acting as a partner in Breton Sound Dock and Marina. Johnny loved to visit and took an interest in other people’s stories, which meant that he was always surrounded by friends.

But for all his varied accomplishments and exploits, Johnny’s family endures as his proudest achievement. Raising his son and three daughters alongside his wife Kim was his life’s work, and it was through that work that many in the community came to know him as the kind, strong, and generous individual who was never too busy to help those around him. Though his happiest days were spent at the beach with family and friends, his best days were spent coaching his children’s basketball and track teams, tending to his camellia nursery, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was fortunate to know true happiness and quick to share that happiness with others.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Howe Despeaux, his only son, Rhett John Despeaux (Katy), his three daughters, Rachel Alexandra Despeaux (Clay Dillow), Lauren Nicole Despeaux Munley (Michael), Victoria Jon Despeaux (Pepe Muñoz), and three grandchildren who he adored, Rylan John Despeaux, Cole Michael Kavanaugh, and Samira Elizabeth Despeaux. He is also survived by his uncle Ronald Despeaux (Judy), nieces Mari Ann (Marie) and Suzette (Linda) Callais, mother-in-law Isabelle Howe, sister-in-law Roxanne Engerbretson, brothers-in-law Jeff and Mike (Elaine) Howe, many cousins, great nieces, great grandnieces and an endless network of friends whom he cared for deeply and who he was incredibly thankful for.

Johnny was welcomed into his next adventure by his parents, Roy John Despeaux Sr. and Bernadette Despeaux, and his sister Karen Ann “Nanny” Despeaux Callais along with a host of other friends and family who no doubt missed his long-winded stories and selfless spirit.

As per Johnny’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. However, the family would love for you to share any photos and stories you may have to despeauxphotos@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Johnny’s lifelong love of the outdoors, donations can be made to Christ Episcopal School in Covington in honor of Johnny Despeaux https://christepiscopalschool.org/giving/annual-fund/ Under “Annual Fund 2020-21 select “Memorial/Honor Gift” and enter Johnny Despeaux in the “Enter Memorial/Honor Name” Box). These funds will be earmarked for the Wilderness Education Program, which continues to provide the kind of experiential learning opportunities that allowed Johnny to share his understanding and appreciation of nature with his children and their peers.