Diedrik (Deek) Joseph Telhiard

August 9, 1938 ~ May 30, 2023

Diedrik (Deek) Joseph Telhiard journeyed peacefully into his new life on May 30, 2023.  He was born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on August 9, 1938, the second of eleven children given to David and Eunice Telhiard.  Deek graduated from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1956.  He served in the US Marines and then met Judy Dugas, whom he married in 1959.  Together they raised three children, Troy, Thomas and Terri.

After retiring as an electrician from Star Enterprises he pursued his love of woodworking, creating beautiful furniture, including tables, book shelves, desks, cabinets and wood frames for family and friends.  He took requests for wood projects and put his heart and soul into every piece he crafted. He even built himself a boat, which complimented his great love for fishing. Even before retirement, Deek and his family would travel to Grand Isle quite often and fish with the family.  Some of his best and funniest fish stories included his mother-in-law and father-in-law.  Deek  loved music and especially cherished playing guitar with his brothers.  Another of Deek’s life-long love was gardening, both vegetables and flowers.  His yard always attested to this.

Deek had an exuberant fun-loving spirit and loved to get to know people.  His love for life shined through his relationships with his family and his friends.  He loved to be with others, listening to stories, and telling his own.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren sought him out for his advice as well.   In face of the great joys and sorrows of his life Deek drew off the deep love of his Catholic faith and attended retreats at Manresa on the Mississippi for several years.  His committed love for life will continue to inspire all those who love him.

Deek is survived by five siblings, Sandra Zalimeni, John Telhiard, Tom Telhiard, Eunice Hartley and Rick Telhiard, his son Thomas (Leonard Augustus Jr), his daughter Terri Guidry, his grandsons, Daniel Guidry, Michael Guidry, four great-grandchildren, his dear friend and neighbor, Patricia Barrios and a host of other beloved neighbors, friends and family.

Deek is preceded in death by his parents, David and Eunice, his siblings, David Telhiard, Bruce Telhiard, Susan Telhiard, Yvette Clifton and Linda Lauzon, his beloved wife Judy,  his son Troy Monte Telhiard, his grandson Curtis Aaron Guidry, and his son-in-law, Clint Guidry.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, June 2, 2023, at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, La, 70806.