Jerry "Gary" Joseph Duplantis Sr.

Jerry "Gary" Joseph Duplantis Sr., a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on October 12, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on January 26, 1942, Jerry was a native and resident of Grand Caillou, LA. He lived a life that revolved around the rhythms of Louisiana's waterways. He worked as a commercial fisherman, earning the iconic and unforgettable title "The Shrimp Killer of Dulac" among friends and family for his unmatched skills in the art of shrimping.

Jerry was married to his beloved wife, Maria Duplantis, for 53 wonderful years. Jerry was known for his warm heart and generous spirit-a friendly wave was his greeting to all. He enjoyed sitting outside and speaking with anyone who would stop by. He cherished the time spent with his children and was a doting grandfather who reveled in creating memories with his grandchildren. Many evenings were devoted to boiling seafood feasts, where he would enthusiastically ask Maria to "call the gang," filling their home with love, laughter, and delicious family meals.

A proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Jerry valued community and service. His love for music, especially country and swamp pop, resonated in his favorite tunes, with "Red Red Wine" holding a special place in his heart as a song that celebrated the love he shared with Maria.

Jerry is survived by his three children, Jerry Duplantis Jr. (Wanza), Deborah Bourg (Deron),and Rodney Duplantis; seven grandchildren, Brandon Ruttley (Georgia), Chris Ruttley (Krissy), Lauren LeCompte (Jess), Kaitlyn Wargo (Patrick), Ashlee Duplantis, Emilee Duplantis, and Brennan Duplantis; sixteen great-grandchildren, Cohen Duplantis, Adeline Ruttley, Mary Ruttley, Rebecca Ruttley, Noah Ruttley, Cameron Ruttley, Kole Achee, Kodi Bourg, Jess LeCompte Jr., Lana LeCompte, Ella LeCompte, Jean LeCompte, Kensley Blanchard, Reid Blanchard, Owen Duplantis and Olivia Duplantis; his sibling Billy Duplantis (Earline); and his loyal dog Rusty.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Maria Duplantis; his daughter Michelle Duplantis; his parents, Johnny & Josephine Ida Duplantis; and his siblings, Roosevelt Duplantis, Rosella Duplantis, Johnny Duplantis, Jr., Laura Duplantis, Mary Jane Leblanc, Geraldine Buquet, Kenneth Duplantis, Veronica Maronge, Verna Duplantis, Wedgir Duplantis, and Bruce Duplantis.

Friends and family will gather to honor Jerry's life at a public viewing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Chauvin Funeral Home from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Following the funeral service, he will be laid to rest at Garden of Memories Cemetery.