Doucet loses battle

Ville Platte City Marshal Ronald “T” Doucet passed away Sunday morning at the age of 51. In addition to being city marshal, he was also a former Evangeline Parish police juror. He was a beloved member of the community who will be missed by those who knew him.
“Ronald ‘T’ Doucet was a great man who loved his family and friends,” said Ryan Leday Williams, police jury president and Doucet’s nephew. “Big T was full of life, had a kind heart, and he loved being humorous. Ronald was always willing to help out anyone no matter what was involved. These are some of the things that he instilled in me, and I have learned a lot from Ronald ‘T.’ We will all miss him dearly.” Leday added, “Get your well-deserved rest, Uncle ‘T,’ from your nephew, Ryan.”
At the age of 15, Doucet was inspired by Bob Manuel to become a police juror. In the July 27, 2017 issue of the Gazette, Doucet said, “When I was 23-years-old, I ran for public office, and I was elected. From there I served 14 years as police juror.” Doucet represented District 8, helping to get the roads overlaid. “I was the one who got these roads overlaid in the Kennedy Subdivision. The jurors kept applying for grants, and the sales tax helped us. Some of the roads, like in the Wyble Subdivision, were gravel forever. We had a grant and some taxes that we passed which we were able to get the roads overlaid. We also built a new sewer while I was there at the Wyble Subdivision, but the biggest part was the roads. That’s what people are pleased with.”
Donald Bergeron, Police Jury secretary/treasurer, said of Ronald “T,” “He was one of the most genuine people I knew. Truly a self-made man, working from the time he was a young man. He was always willing to help someone regardless of their race. He was a bridge-builder in the community who will truly be missed by all.”
Doucet also served Evangeline Parish as the chairman of Crooked Creek for a four-year period. Doucet said, “During my administration as chairman, we brought in some cabins that we started renting to the public to enhance Crooked Creek. We also developed some more camper slots, and we made the park a lot bigger for the parish.”
As Marshal, Doucet even helped the public when they had legal problems. “A lot of people also come in here who need help with legal problems, and we go to the judge to help them.” He used his experience as a police juror to work with the court system. “We help each other out. We’re supposed to be what you call a family to make the system work for everybody.” He said the most rewarding part of his job as Marshal was getting to know people. “It’s rewarding in my book just knowing the people and dealing with the public, the business people, the common people, and everybody really.”
Gervis Williams, Ronald “T’s” cousin, said, “As kids, Ronald was always the peace maker. I remember a time when my family came to town for a visit and a group of kids were trying to bully the younger kids. He stepped in and stopped them. He was a great big cousin and always stayed the same.”
Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said, “City Marshal Ronald ‘T’ Doucet’s passing is a gigantic loss to this city and Ward One. Ronald ‘T’ was a kind and compassionate leader and public servant. He loved people and he loved helping people. His impact on law enforcement will be remembered with admiration. He represented the City Marshal’s office with dignity and respect. His indelible contributions to this city and the City Marshal’s office will be felt and remembered forever. He will be truly missed.”
Above all, Doucet enjoyed helping. He said, “People come to me, and I try to help as many as I can. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s exciting working with the people and knowing them on a first name basis.”
Funeral services for Ronald “Big T” Doucet, 51, will be held on Saturday, October 19, at 11 a.m. with the visitation beginning at 8 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church in Ville Platte. Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Ville Platte. Rev. Freddie Jack will officiate the homegoing celebration.
The full obituary will be in Sunday’s edition of The Ville Platte Gazette.