George Joseph Jouban

George Joseph Jouban, 83, of DeRidder, LA, was born on June 14, 1938 and passed from this life on Friday, December 10, 2021.

George graduated from DeRidder High School in 1956, where he played American Legion baseball under Coach Frenchie Governale, which started their lifelong friendship. He continued his education by earning a BS in Business Administration in 1960 from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (presently University of Louisiana Lafayette).

George was a lifelong member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

George was a member of the DeRidder Jaycees from 1961-1965 where he served in all capacities including President. He was proud to be able to help his community through this club by purchasing street signs and a marquee to be placed in Downtown DeRidder, along with many other civic projects. He was also a member of the Louisiana Jaycees and served as Regional Vice President.

In 1975 George joined the DeRidder Kiwanis Club and continued his membership for the remainder of his life. He served several terms on the Board of Directors and served as Secretary.  Throughout the years, he served as chairman on the scholarship committee, pancake supper, posting of community flags team and fair booth. He also coached the softball team competing in state tournaments. George served as the first President of the DeRidder Bowling Association where he was a member from 1960-1970. He bowled the first 600 series in Beauregard Parish and was awarded the coveted “Bowling Pin”.

George shared his love of baseball with the youth of DeRidder by coaching 10-13 year olds at the War Memorial Civic Center Baseball Fields, and the ladies softball team for St Joseph’s Catholic Church. He later coached Tee Ball, Pony-tail League and Debs Softball for DeRidder Dixie Youth.

In 2003, George was honored to be named the King of Mardi Gras by the Women’s League of DeRidder.

George began his career in retail sales with the family department store, Jouban’s Dry Goods, being the 3rdgeneration partner, and also took ownership and management of Imperial Shoe Store in 1960. He eventually made a name change to Jouban’s Sazzi Girls where he remained until his retirement in July 2019. He played an active role in the DeRidder Downtown Merchants Association and loved having the little dancers know that Mr. George would take care of them.

George loved watching sports of all kinds, building fires outside, riding around in his golf cart, and most importantly, spending time with his family. He married Frances, the love of his life, in 1967, and they spent 54 years together building the most loving family and life imaginable. He will be forever missed by everyone who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of fifty-four years, Frances Jouban of DeRidder, LA; daughters, Leah Boyd and Larry of Deridder, LA, Melissa Cobb and Tyler of DeRidder, LA, Trisha Ayo and Josh of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren, Alexandra Ayo, Stephen Boyd, Emma Boyd, Payton Ayo, Abby Cobb, Jake Cobb; great grandchild, Paisley Ayo; nephew, Patrick Craven; niece, Krista Hutchinson and a host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jackie Jouban; sister, Rose Craven.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. The family requests everyone do a private Rosary in George’s honor. Funeral mass will be at 12:10 PM, Thursday, December 16, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeRidder, LA. Father Jude Brunnert, M.S. will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Larry Boyd, Tyler Cobb, Josh Ayo, Stephen Boyd, Jake Cobb, Deauton Delgado. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.