A Beautiful Life Remembered

 Willard Douglas DeRouen Sr. was born August 16, 1942, in Weeks Island, Louisiana. He was the youngest of four children. God called him home on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Willard Sr. was raised in Port Aurthur, Texas, where he attended school and graduated from Lincoln High School. He also attended New Hope Baptist Church in Texas. Willard Sr. married the love of his life Constance (Connie) May 10, 1973. They welcomed two children, Veleda T. DeRouen, Willard D. J. DeRouen Jr. and raised their nephew Jeremy D. Nelson. 

Military Service

Willard Sr. joined the United States Army at the age of 17 years old. He was a track vehicle mechanic and automotive repairer. He received multiple awards and medals during his 20+ years in the service. After retiring from the United State Army, he worked for Central Texas College located on Fort Lewis, WA, for four years. He then worked for Department of Labor and Industries upon his retirement. 

Masonic Service

Willard Sr. started Masonic career in Oklahoma jurisdiction, demitted into Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington State and jurisdiction, demitted into Egyptian Lodge # 44 Tacoma, Washington. He additionally became a member of Cascadian Consistory # 75 Tacoma, Washington as well as a member of Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble of the Mystic Shrine Yemen Temple # 152 Tacoma, Washington. He became a charter member of Fred U. Harris # 70 Olympia, Washington, and Past Master of the Lodge, charter member of Capital City Consistory # 106 and Past Commander in Chief of the Consistory, and Coronated 33-degree Mason in 1988, United Supreme Council Scottish Rite Masonry Northern Masonic Jurisdiction PHA, last degree in Masonry. Willard Sr. served this Grand Lodge as the Grand Senior Deacon 2006-2008 Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Washington and Jurisdiction.

 New Life Baptist Church

Willard Sr. became a member of New Life Baptist Church in 1980. Where he served as a transportation van driver. Transporting members to and from church and Sunday school. He also served on the NLBC Trustee board.

 Private Moments

 Willard Sr. held a special love and affection towards his wife, Connie AKA “BABY” as he lovingly called her. He loved watching westerns, eating gumbo and catfish. He loved sweet snacks. Willard Sr. was an avid Amazon shopper and had a special love towards his yellow Cadillac, loved playing pinochle and dominoes. Willard Sr. is preceded in death by his mother, Georgianna Henry DeRouen, Father, Wilbert DeRouen Sr., sister Clara Lee Carrier (Melvin), sister George Faye DeRouen-Coss (John), brother Wilbert Eugene DeRouen (Sonny). His memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife Connie, son Willard Douglas Joseph DeRouen Jr. (Hazel) of Washington, nephew Jeremy D. Nelson of Washing ton, daughter Veleda T. DeRouen of Florida, grand daughter Riley A. Holmes of Florida, granddaughter Faith Nelson of Washington, grandson Kahlil D. DeRouen of Washington, Dacari Nelson of Washington, Arthur-Sheraud Moses DeRouen of Washington, Trevon X. DeRouen of Washington, Zion DeRouen of Washington and Cam’ron Henderson DeRouen of Washington. Nieces Glenda Carrier of Texas, Robbie Bethel of Louisiana, Kristi F. DeRouen of Virginia, Anissa Centers of Texas, Don N. Carrier of Louisiana, Heather R. Alberty of Oklahoma, Dellanie Hammonds of Texas. Nephews Melvin T. Carrier of California, John W. Coss II of Texas and Melvin Nelson of Texas. Sister Pastor Vicki Ann DeRouen-Hough (Don) of Liberty, Texas.