James Ervin "Gene" Duplechin passed away on Friday September 15, 2017, at the age of 80. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017, at 1:30 PM. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with entombment to follow at St. Paul Mausoleum. Msg. Robert Romero will officiate. At the request of the family visitation will begin on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM. and will reopen on Monday at 8:00 AM until time of services. Gene is survived by his wife; Priscilla M. Duplechin, his daughter, Lisa D. Christ and husband, Roderick of Eunice; two sons, Chris Duplechin and fiance Debbie Stanford of Eunice and Paul Duplechin and wife Dr. Rochelle of Lafayette, La., one step-daughter; Tonya Danos and husband Gerard of Lafayette, La., two step-sons; Dusty Cormier and April of Lafayette and Brandon Fontenot and Nicole of Houston, Tx., one sister; Pat Richard of Eunice, sixteen grandchildren; Alisha Shields, Ceslie Habetz, Meredith Himel, Courtney Duplechin, Anne Marie McGee, Kristen Duplechin, Corey Duplechin, Bryson Duplechin, Kailey Duplechin, Drake Duplechin, Audrey Duplechin, Kerstyn Norman, Lillie Norman, Tre'Danos, Arley Cormier, Myla Cormier and nine great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Launey Duplechin and Agnes Manuel Duplechin, one brother; Ronald Duplechin, and his first wife, Vernell F. Duplechin. Gene was a retired business owner of D&R Welding and Steel Supply. He always loved to dance, be around his family, and have coffee with his friends every morning. In his lifetime he enjoyed tennis, scuba diving, skiing and traveling. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a long time member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. He will be sadly missed. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.