Darlene Reinert Champagne, 73, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, died Monday, March 13, 2023, at Baton Rouge General Hospital, of complications from cancer. Darlene was born on October 24, 1949 in Scott City, Kansas to Doral and Fern (Barnes) Reinert. Raised in Amarillo, Texas Darlene lived most of her adult live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with her husband James Champagne. Darlene and Jim were longtime members La Krewe of Mystique de la Capitale. Darlene was retired from the Louisiana State Department of Public Safety.
Darlene was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and Maw Maw. She is survived by her husband James Champagne, her son Philip Melancon and his partner Chris Guillotte, grandchildren Elizabeth and Alexander Melancon, sister Ilene “Windy” Reinert Durliat, brothers Harold Reinert and his wife Janet, Albert Reinert, and Matt Coots
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Curtis Reinert.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs, Louisiana.
4 comments
Ralph Jukkola
March 17, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Sorry to hear about Darlene. My prayers go out to Jim, Phillip and family during these trying days. I always enjoyed seeing her either at work or a Krewe events. May she Rest In Peace. God Bless!
Rut Whittington
March 17, 2023 at 1:32 am
It was a real treat to be around Darlene during our years at State Police and Public Safety. Her ready smile brought a “ray of sunshine” to your day. She also had a lot of knowledge and wisdom and was willing to share it. I pray for Jim and the family during this time of loss.
Julie Horton
March 16, 2023 at 1:42 pm
So sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to you and your family. Great cousin who helped take care of me.
Marsha Pressburg
March 15, 2023 at 7:04 pm
Jim, I am so sorry to hear about Darlene. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.