Gilbert Elie

"Zeke" Roussel, Sr.

Gilbert "Zeke" Roussel, Sr. was born on September 14, 1936 in Paulina, LA and was a resident of Hester, LA.  He passed away on September 27, 2021 at the age of 85.

Zeke enjoyed playing his guitar and singing both country and spiritual music.  He performed in the "Zeke and the Vacherie Playboys Band."  He also belonged to the St. Michael Church Choir for many years.  He was an avid gardener, producing vegetables and various citrus fruit from trees which he himself grafted and planted. He generously shared the vegetables from his garden and the fruit from his orchard with family and friends.  Zeke also passed on his love of fishing, camping, and his musical talents to his family.  He also enjoyed spending time with his pet cat, Sugar.

Zeke is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roseann Stalone Roussel; children, Carrie R. Luersen (Gary), Blane V. Roussel (Holly), Gilbert E. Roussel, Jr., Dana R. Roussel (Stephen), Rodney J. Roussel (Tiffanie), Kenneth H. Roussel (Tara); grandchildren, Matthew, Laurie (Daniel), Lindsey (Blake), Christopher (Kristen), Jonathan, LeeAnna (Kevin), Faith, Jarred, Nicholas (Courtney), Kristen, Blake, Ridge, Tanner, Peyton, Olivia, Colton, and Rhett; and great-grandchildren, Jonah, Annie, River, Aubrey, Emily, Leah, Amelia, Anna, Tucker, and Lillian.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elie and Justine Poche' Roussel; granddaughter, Jessie Roussel; brothers, Louis, Albert, Stephen, Anicet, and Allen; sisters, Marie L., Marie I., Lucille, Rose, Gertrude, and Isabel; and daughter-in-law, Shannon Poche' Roussel.

A visitation will be held at St. Michael the Archangel in Convent, LA on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.  Interment will take place in St. Michael Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Ochsner Hospital, Compassus Hospice, The Crossing, and family and friends for their good care and compassion during his illness.