D. J. East

D. J. East, 81, of Hackberry, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. D. J. was born on January 20, 1945, in Hackberry, Louisiana, to Mann and Cecile Labove East.

A true son of Hackberry, he spent much of his life on the water as a commercial fisherman and was known as the first to bring live shrimp to this area. He also worked as a bridge tender for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

D. J. was one of a kind. He had a heart of gold, a sharp tongue, and a way of making people feel right at home. He was a great cook and was especially known for his shrimp and crab stew. When people showed up at the dock, D. J. made sure they enjoyed themselves. Whether he arrived walking or rolling in his wheelchair, people stopped to greet him, visit with him, and share a laugh.

He was a man who learned how to keep going, even after losing an eye and a leg. He adapted, pushed forward, and lived life on his own terms. D. J. also believed that when the fish were biting, school could wait. More than once, he checked his boys out of class so they could go fishing when the time was right.

D. J. took pride in the simple things. He liked to be clean and presentable, often showering and shaving twice a day. He loved his family, his community, the water, and the life he built in Hackberry. His stories, humor, cooking, and unforgettable personality will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

D. J.’s life was full of grit, laughter, hard work, family, and the kind of memories that will continue to be told around docks, dinner tables, and fishing camps for years to come.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Darren East and wife Stephanie of Hackberry, LA; his grandchildren, Jessica East of Hackberry, LA, Darra East of Sulphur, LA, Drew East and wife Stephanie of Sulphur, LA, Joshua East and wife Kylie of Ville Platte, LA, and Corey East of Denham Springs, LA; his daughter-in-law, Sheri East of Sulphur, LA; and his great-grandchildren, Blake Langley, Reese Maronge, Cullen East, Ruby East, and Oli East.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mann and Cecile East; his son, John R. “Hokey” East; his great-grandsons, Dash J. East and Briggs J. East; and his siblings, Dolores Duhon, Helen Theriot, Catherine Simon, Carrie Hewitt, and Gary East.

His funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Hackberry Community Center, 986 Main Street, Hackberry, LA, with Rev. Monte Rowse presiding. Burial will follow in Hackberry Community Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Sulphur. Visitation will be held at the Community Center from 9:00 AM until the start of the service.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Hardin, Robert Prejean, Markis Neese, Cooper Olinde, Scott Gray, John White, Randy Richard, and Alex Richard.