Elwood “Steve” de Bessonet

Elwood E. "Steve" de Bessonet, retired educator, entered into his eternal rest at Baton Rouge Health Care Center on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Steve was a resident of Baker, Louisiana since 1958 and was a native of Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

Steve was born on January 4, 1933 and was a graduate of Catholic High of Donaldsonville and LSU (master's degree "plus 30"). He served as principal of Park Ridge Elementary School for 21 years. He taught and previously coached at Westlake Middle School, Standard Heights Elementary, Claiborne Elementary, and Belfair Elementary. He loved helping students and enjoyed the relationship with his fun-loving faculty and staff.

He is survived by wife of 69 years, Cornelia Page "Neelie" de Bessonet; son, Michael (Peggy) de Bessonet; grandchildren, Crystal (Robert) Manners and Paul (Whitney) Miller; son, Jeffrey (Pamela) de Bessonet; grandchildren, Elaine (Nathan), Andrew (Elizabeth), Clayton (Holly) and Nicholas (Ashtyn), and daughter, Christine (Robert) Monti; grandchildren, Robert, Mark, Faith and Samuel, and 8 great grandchildren.

Steve and Neelie loved their family and travel, and they often combined the two with an RV. It was also a good excuse to see LSU sporting events. Steve was always a good sport as Neelie was always making travel plans.

Steve is preceded in death by parents, Etienne and Marie de Bessonet (Donaldsonville, LA), brothers, Calvin (Joyce), Kenneth (Nita), and William (Lois) as well as sister, Lois (Leland) Kappel. He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council (#4085). In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the St. Isidore Maintenance fund. His interests were family, gardening, travel, and LSU sporting events.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Isidore Catholic Church (5657 Thomas Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811) from 9:00AM to 11:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00AM (officiated by Fr. Frank Bass). Burial will take place immediately following the service at St. Isidore Catholic Church Cemetery.