Hammond Brooks DeJean, Sr., 86, departed from his earthly home at 12:50 a.m. Sunday, June 10, 2012 in a local hospital.  He was born to the late Adolph and Lucy Brooks DeJean on June 26, 1925.  He was a lifelong native of Lake Charles, LA.

He served in the U.S. Army and received an Honorable Discharge in 1944.  After his discharge he worked at the Port of Lake Charles as a stevedore for over 44 years before retiring to the life of leisure.  He was a member of the International Longshoremen's Association, a member of Local 1349 where he also served as president for two terms and a member of the Mayfield, McClain, Taylor American Legion Post 551.

He was united in holy matrimony to his loving and faithful wife, Lovey Ophelia Arbuthnot DeJean of nearly 63 years on July 23, 1951.  He loved his wife dearly and always affectionately called or referred to her as "Scrubby".  From their union 12 children were born, which he loved to boast about.  Hammond was a lifelong member of Evergreen Baptist Church where he made his Christian journey under the Biblical guidance of Rev. W.C. Ellison, Rev. Arthur B. Faust, Rev. Barry W. Thomas and Rev. Robert E. Campbell, Jr.  He was a very active and present member in his church.  He worked with Vacation Bible School, the Youth Department, with whom he diligently traveled with to the Louisiana Baptist Youth Encampment for several years.  He was also a member of the Gospel Choir, the Male Chorus and Sunday School, all of which he truly enjoyed. He was a very faithful and dedicated member until the very end because he loved his church, and his pastor, but more importantly he truly loved the Lord.  He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Lucy Brooks DeJean, one grandchild Christopher "Poppa" Rogers, three sisters; Josephine DeJean Taylor, Bertha DeJean Arbuckle, Geneva Riggs and four brothers; Kenneth Oscar DeJean, George DeJean, Sr., Willie Joseph (Billy) DeJean, Sr., and James Arthur "Uncle Smiley" DeJean, Sr.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, uncle and "adopted" father, grandfather and uncle.  He leaves to cherish his memories, his faithful and loving wife of 63 years Lovey Ophelia Arbuthnot DeJean, seven daughters, Liz DeJean Land of Cleveland, OH, Jacqueline DeJean (LC) Dugas, Josephine DeJean Harris, Jenifer DeJean Jackson, Lovey DeJean (John) Guillory, Yolanda DeJean Duhon, Joan DeJean (Larry) Rogers, all of Lake Charles, five sons; Dan (Norma) Arbuthnot, Hammond DeJean, Jr., Hilbert DeJean, Haywood (Kathy) DeJean, Sr., and Harvey DeJean, all of Lake Charles, 45 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, one "adopted son" Perry Granger and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 16 in Evergreen Baptist Church.  The Rev. Robert E. Campbell will officiate.  Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Funeral Home of Lake Charles, LA.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in Evergreen Baptist Church.