Donald Richard Darcey

Surrounded by his loving family, Donald Richard Darcey passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 87. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Yvonne Marie Kempf, who never left his side; three sons: Todd (Rhonda), Duane (Lori) and Keith (Monica); six grandchildren: Rebecca Oubre (Nick), Reed (Emily), Ellen, Hannah, Alex, and Ethan; and one very special great-granddaughter: Belle Oubre. 

He will be fondly remembered by his brother-in-law Kenneth Kempf and niece Debra Bankes (Allen).

Don was the beloved in-law of Yvonne’s late parents, Joseph and Rose, her late brother Arthur (Linda) and late uncle Carl. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard J. Darcey, Jr. and Elsie Kenney Darcey and his forever-feisty twin sister Dorothy (“Dottie”) Miehe (Patrick), who never left New Orleans—in spirit, anyway. They called him Doodles, short for Doodle Bug. 

Born and raised on Algiers Point, Don embarked on ill-advised misadventures like swimming across the Mississippi River. A graduate of Martin Berhman HS in 1955, he proudly served as a U.S. Marine until 1959 and then worked outdoors for the Louisiana Gas Company/Citizens Utilities for 35 years to give his sons the private high school and college experience he and Mom never had. 

Don spent his adult life in Marrero, first in our family home and then, after Hurricane Katrina, on the beautiful acre of land in the Kempf family since 1920, which he continued to cut with a push mower into his early 80s. 

He was always a man of few words who put his family first and himself last. His greatest joy came from attending his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

Our deepest gratitude goes to sisters Lois Venable and Carmelita (“Lita”) Laurent, who, along with the staff from ACG Hospice, tenderly cared for Pop in his final months. He could not have lived his final days at home without their dedicated day-and-night service. 

He will be remembered with love and missed with sorrow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Autism Society of America, the Tulane Brain Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Manning Family Children’s Hospital.

Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 7040 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11 AM. Interment Westlawn Cemetery South, Gretna, LA. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until Mass time.