Willie J Dekerlegand, Jr.

Willie J. Dekerlegand, 61, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away April 14, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born June 1, 1961, in Jefferson County, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Laird Funeral Home.

Born June 1, 1961, to Willie J Dekerlegand Sr and Sadie Guidry Dekerlegand 

Attended Port Neches-Groves High School 

Preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Larry Dekerlegand and Daniel Dekerlegand

Willie was certainly one of a kind. After going to live at Westward Trails Nursing and Rehabilitation, the staff and other residents became part of Willie's family. He enjoyed spending time arguing with anyone he could find that would argue back. On a nice sunny day, you would find him out in the sun enjoying the weather and it would take quite a bit of convincing for him to go back in for meals or activities. He enjoyed bingo and even enjoyed crafting occasionally once he was convinced to give it a try. He loved crawfish and eagerly looked forward to crawfish season for fresh crawfish pies and etouffee. His love of spicy food and his complaints that food wasn't spicy enough were heard almost daily-no one loved spicy food as much as he did. He loved to listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Hank Williams Jr and when he was still able, he enjoyed outings to shop for the pocket t-shirts he was so fond of. Willie was direct and matter of fact but had many friends in the facility and was well liked for his straightforward attitude. Willie will certainly be missed by all those who knew and loved him. 

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