Maurice Joseph Duplantis, MD's Obituary
Maurice J. Duplantis, Jr., M.D. passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at Forest Manor Nursing Home in Covington.
He was born February 23, 1920 in Port Arthur, TX to the late Maurice J., Sr. and Emily Hebert Duplantis.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed at Mobile Infirmary in Alabama. Dr. Duplantis earned his medical degree from L.S.U. and in 1948 began a private practice in Covington. In 1954, he was instrumental in the founding of St. Tammany Parish Hospital where he served as Chairman of the Board and Chief of Staff at various times during his lengthy career. Dr. Duplantis also served as assistant coroner for over 35 years.
Dr. Duplantis was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Deborah Austin Duplantis. He is survived by his sister, Merle Duplantis, of Port Arthur, Texas, and his caregiver of many years, Geraldine Jackson. He is also survived by two daughters, Suzanne D. Fortier-Hodge (Joe) and Andre’ D. Skiba (Todd), of Austin, Texas, and one son, Maurice J. Duplantis, III (Karen), and three grandsons, Reese and Hal Duplantis of McComb, MS, Karl Duplantis and two step-granddaughters, Meagan Hodge of Denver, CO and Meredith Hodge.
Dr. Duplantis will be missed for his joie de vivre, his delight in hearing or telling a great story, his amazing diagnostic abilities, his sheer joy in all things chocolate, his never-ending quest for knowledge and the life-long habit of reading a book a day until the very end, and, of course, his deep love and affection for family and friends. His “bogus birthday parties,” which he celebrated shamelessly two-to-three times a year, will not be forgotten. It should be noted that the date we celebrate his memory is also the date of his 87th birthday; we celebrate his wonderful life and his many personal and professional accomplishments on this day with great pride. A Funeral Mass will be said at 2:00pm on Friday, February 23, 2007 in the chapel at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433. Visiting hours will begin at Noon.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington, LA 70433 in his memory.
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