ROSS LEITZ
Ross Leitz, age 41, of Slidell, LA, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday morning September 23, 2023.
He was the son of James and Regina Leitz; brother of Micheal Ball, Phillip Leitz and Stephen Leitz and grandson of Acklin Doucette and the late Jemision Leitz, Palma Leitz, and Charles Doucette.
Also, survived by 10 cousins and preceded in death by his cousin Kenneth Clayton.
Ross was a dual sport prodigy excelling in football and golf. Larger than most kids at an early age, Ross’ abilities also exceeded his peers as he stood 6’4 and 300 lbs.
He shot a golf course record of 64 at the age of 15 years old and had collegiate interest in golf from Ohio State University, and from Tulane University for football and golf.
Ross graduated from Northshore High School in 2001, later attending UNO, BRCC, and his favorite LSU. An avid LSU Tigers and Saints fan, Ross loved to watch games with his father, brothers, and cousins. He was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity.
Ross’ passions in life were his family, animals, poker, and people. Known throughout the Gulf Coast for his size and exploits, he was known as a gentle giant with a heart as large as his stature. He was a lover, a protector, a nurturer, and an adoring son and beloved brother. He will leave a void greater than life and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Services to be held at the Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell on Saturday, September 30. Visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by Catholic Mass, with a reception to follow.
WALTER ‘WALT’ LYSTER DARTE JR.
Walter “Walt” Lyster Darte Jr., of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on September 17, 2023, at the age of 77. He was born on January 7, 1946, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Lyster Darte Sr. and Lois Hammonds Darte; and one brother, Charles Darte.
Walt is the beloved husband of 46 years to Jo Riles Darte; loving father of Christopher Darte (Brandi) and William Hasson; proud grandfather of Scott Hasson (Grayson), Tanner Hasson (Berkley), Tyler Hasson, Mason Darte, and Brennan Darte; great-grandfather of Lydia Fay and Lily Kate Hasson; treasured brother of Margaret Darte Gott; and brother-in-law of Brenda Darte. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends whom he loved greatly.
Walt graduated from West Hazelton High School in Pennsylvania with the Class of 1963. He bravely served his country with honor in the United States Army stationed at Phu Bai Vietnam. Walt earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Penn State University with the Class of 1973. He started his hotel experience with Walt Disney World and then transitioned into the freight transportation business in 1984. Over the years, he built a successful freight agency and intermodal trucking company with the help of a loyal operations group. In his spare time, Walt enjoyed deep-sea fishing but cherished nothing more than the time spent with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. Walt will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation are preferred. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
DEBRA MOLAISON
Debra Molaison, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on September 24, 2023, at the age of 71. She was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, born on June 5, 1952 to her loving parents, the late Joyce Barrios and Louis Cambre. Debra is the beloved wife of 49 years to CJ Molaison; cherished mother of Amanda Lough (John David) and Alexis Crawford (Clayton); proud grandmother of Jackson Lough, Bronson Lough, Mason Crawford, and Weston Crawford; adored sister of Kendra Ranson, Skip Cambre, and the late Donna Naylor; and loving aunt of Lindsey Burlette. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends whom she loved dearly.
Debra was a member of the Krewe of Selene for over 15 years and proudly served as a lieutenant of the organization. She was also very active in her Bunco group, where she formed many lasting friendships. Debra enjoyed cruising and traveling, especially to Disney World, but loved nothing more than the time she spent with her grandchildren, creating many treasured memories. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at 6 p.m. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
Honaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For more information on services, contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 or online at: honakerforestlawn.com)
Marcia Short Barto, age 83, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Born in New Orleans, the family moved to Pearl River in 1985.
Allen Anderson Lill, Sr., age 67, of Slidell, LA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 1, 2023.
A retired insurance broker and a graduate of New Orleans Academy and LSU, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He also earned an MBA at Tulane School of Business.
Audubon Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For information on services, contact Audubon at 985-645-0600 or online at: audubonfuneralhome.com)
Mark Lee Holton, age 71, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
A native of Garden City, MI, he was a general contractor and a culinary master.
Denisemarie Emilie Insogno Hagborn, age 60, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023.
Born in Camden, NJ, she resided in Ocean Springs before moving to Slidell.
She was a certified commercial diver in the oil industry and a passionate animal lover.