Donald James Broussard

On Friday, September 13, 2024, Donald James Broussard of Abbeville, Louisiana passed away peacefully at the age of 92, in his home surrounded by his beloved family. A memorial mass will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 2pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Abbeville. Father Francois Sainte-Marie will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church an hour prior to the mass service with a rosary taking place at 1:30 p.m. Burial will take place after the mass service at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery.
Donald was born in Abbeville on March 17, 1932 to parents Ambrose Broussard and Pearl Stelly Broussard. He attended Mount Carmel elementary through high school, graduating from there in 1950. Upon graduating, he worked for a brief time for Dudley J. LeBlanc and Hadacol, working on the Hadacol train and driving trucks. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving overseas in the Korean War. He loved telling stories of his time being stationed both in Japan and Korea, driving tanks and chauffeuring a Colonel.
Upon return from overseas, Donald began working for Bellsouth phone company. He was often referred to as “the telephone man” having installed many of the phone lines throughout the Acadiana area including at Abbeville General Hospital, Erath Hospital, and many of the local businesses. He was also an electrician by trade and continued to help many friends and family with small jobs at their homes and businesses long past his retirement from Bellsouth in 1995 after 40 years. He also was known for doing the electrical wiring for the May Festival at Mount Carmel and Vermilion Catholic for many years.
Besides spending time with his family, Donald enjoyed fishing, hunting and being outdoors. He spent lots of time at his camp in Boston, the beaches along the Gulf Coast, and on the family houseboat. He also loved taking his family and lots of friends out on the houseboat or to the camp to share with them his love of Louisiana’s Sportsmans paradise. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Telephone Pioneers of America, keeping involved in both organizations until later in life.
Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Gloria Faye Connor Broussard as well as six of his seven children, Marcelle Broussard (Cammy), Tanya Broussard Trahan (Norman), Haley Broussard Leatherwood (Leslie), Lane Broussard, Craig Touchet, Michelle Touchet (Alvin) and his son-in-law Duane Saunier. He is also survived by eight of his nine grandchildren, Kimberly Saunier Boudreaux (Darby), Kyle Saunier (Bridget), Marina Leatherwood, Sierra Leatherwood, Brittney Howell (Richard), and Angelle Miller (Donavaughn), Kristen Romero (Luis) and Hunter Trahan as well as eight great-grandchildren, Catherine-Grace Saunier, Brea Saunier, Briggs Saunier, Sawyer Howell, Madelyn Howell, Camille Howell, Tyler Boudreaux, and Scarlett Miller. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Jackie Connor, many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews. His passing will be felt greatly by his loyal dog, Pepper.
Already passed loved ones awaiting his arrival in heaven include his parents, Ambrose and Pearl Broussard, his daughter, Donna Broussard Saunier, his grandson, Casey Lewis Saunier, his sister Mary Delores Andrus and her husband Sheldon Andrus, and brother-in-law Jake Connor.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses that assisted with care of Donald over the last year of his life. A special thanks to Hospice of Acadiana for the wonderful care they provided in the last few weeks.