Delbert Ray Bryars Jr.

Delbert Bryars, 88, of Mandeville, LA, went to Heaven on July 12, 2023, leaving a trail of laughter and love in his wake. Born August 27, 1934, in New Orleans to Mary Clare Digby, he dedicated himself to family and faith. Del cherished his beloved wife Sandra Veillon Bryars of 67 years, and together they built an incredible legacy of 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Del was a man of many talents, a legendary hard worker, always keeping spirits up with his quick wit and a joke. He had a commanding presence but never needed to be the center of attention. He was a man of unwavering loyalty and high moral standards that he passed along to his children: Del (Deb), Chris (Gayjoy), Tara Huguet (Greg), Gregg (Melanie), and Brett (Lorraine).

With pride and honor, Del served in the Navy and learned how to navigate life's challenges with skill and determination. When he wasn't busy teaching his children how to excel in life, Del worked 42 years as a Clerk and Checker, Local 1497, on the Mississippi River.

Del's life was strongly influenced by his Catholic faith where he found solace and purpose. Throughout his life he enjoyed many hours anchoring various church choirs with a velvet bass voice. Along with a moral compass, he provided all of his children with Catholic educations at St. Mary Magdalen, St. John Prep, and Dominican.

Del had almost as much passion for the Saints as he did for his family. When he wasn't yelling at the TV, he found peace in his garden, working in “Grampy’s Workshop”, packing up his camping gear for adventures in nature, feeding and watching his hummingbirds, or visiting his children from the East Coast to the West Coast.

We will celebrate Del’s life with a service at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Mandeville on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10am with a mass following at noon. In lieu of flowers, Del would appreciate a donation in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Delbert Bryars will forever leave footprints on our hearts. He managed life with a twinkle in his eye leaving a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and endless memories. We learned so much about life and love just by watching him, and his spirit is embedded in our souls. Heaven will need to open both gates to accommodate his gigantic heart.