Joseph Dupre’ Hebert

HENRY — Joseph Dupre’ Hebert, 74, of Henry, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his residence, surrounded by family and friends.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 14, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church, in Henry with a recitation of the rosary by Eleanor Broussard at 11:30 a.m.  Visitation will then continue until the time of the service.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. with Reverend Manny Fernandez, as the celebrant. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church mausoleum in Erath. 
Joey, as he was affectionately known, was born November 15, 1949, in Abbeville, LA. He enlisted into the Army National Guard after graduating from Henry High School in 1967.  He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Huachuca, Arizona for active duty. Upon returning from training, he attended USL, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture with a minor in Science. He continued his education by receiving a Master’s degree along with a plus 30 in Administration.
His educational teaching career began at Acadiana High School in the spring of 1973, Kaplan High School through 1974, and Henry High School until 1980.  After teaching in the classroom for 8 years, he then became acting Assistant Principal of Henry High School from January 1980 to August 1982. From there, it was a steady climb to the top. He became principal of Henry High School August of 1982 through June of 2002. During this time, Joey reestablished the high school’s accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  At the height of his career, he served as Superintendent of Vermilion Parish Schools from 2002 to 2007.  This was a crucial period in our parish history, where he organized the rebuilding and renovations of seven parish schools from damages inflicted by Hurricane Rita. 
Joey was very active in his community, he was a Notary Public for several years. He served as president of the St. John’s Catholic Church Parish Council, as a lector, and an usher. He was responsible for organizing the repairing and lifting of the Henry Catholic Church, its Rectory and Community Hall after Hurricane Rita. He volunteered for Hospice of Acadiana and United Way and was a member of the Diocese of Lafayette Pastoral Council. He was awarded, in 2005 United Way of Acadiana, Vermilion Division Leader.  He founded and organized the Vermilion Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Abbeville and served as president. He also helped launch the Henry Volunteer Fire Department and served as its President from 1977-1983. 
Joey was an avid outdoor enthusiast. He had a love for hunting, fishing, snow skiing, hiking, golfing, biking and following his children and grandchildren on their sporting endeavors. Other enjoyments in his life were playing cards with friends, traveling abroad and the country with his wife.  He also enjoyed taking many trips in his motorcoach with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren.  He had a love for researching, watching documentaries, and learning as much as he could about World War II and the Holocaust.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Connie Broussard Hebert; his oldest son, Ross Hebert (Tonya) of Lafayette and his daughter, Hollyn Hebert; his youngest son, Rhett Hebert, and his children Scarlett, Luke, and Juliette Hebert of Abbeville; and, younger brother, Maurice Hebert (Melissa), of Lafayette.  
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ode “Bib” Hebert and Margery Connor Hebert, two sisters, Trudy Fuselier Renard and Katherine Fuselier Payne, and in-laws, Kern and Nettie Broussard. 
Nieces, Amber Viator and Dr. April McCulloh, will be the lectors for the service. Concluding the mass, nephew, Layne Payne, will deliver the eulogy honoring his uncle.  
Honored to serve as pallbearers will be his sons, Ross and Rhett Hebert, Dr. Bobby Lee, Layne Payne, Sammy Delino, and brother, Maurice Hebert.  
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to: 
Forever Young Veterans 
Trips of Honor
Online donations - foreveryoungvets.org 
Mail in donations -  Forever Young Veterans
201 South Center Street, #200
Collierville, TN 38017
Make checks payable to Forever Young Veterans.
Forever Young Veterans is an organization that plans trips of honor for veterans of the greatest generation and other conflicts that occurred in history.  The most current project to be funded is a journey to Normandy, France to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing.  Only a few men, ranging in ages 96-102 are left to commemorate this historic event.  Joey and his wife, Connie, had planned on taking a trip to Normandy this May to pay respect to the greatest generation.  Please consider donating to this cause to honor the legacy and patriotism of Joey and his father, Ode, who fought in World War II. This would be the greatest gift in their honor, acknowledging the sacrifice and dedication of these great men, to our country, the United State of America. 
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org 
David Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.