Wayne Albert “Wade” Dufour III, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, surrounded by his loving family. He was 41 years old.

Born on November 13, 1984, to Sherry Venable, Wade was a hardworking man with a quiet spirit, a sarcastic sense of humor, and a heart that was far bigger than he ever let on. Those who knew him best knew they could always count on him, whether it was for a laugh, a helping hand, or an honest opinion.

Wade had a passion for cooking, fishing, boating, and working with his hands. He loved modifying his grill, tackling projects, and was always searching for a great deal. If something around the house needed fixing, family and friends knew Wade was the one to call. He took pride in solving problems and helping others, often becoming the person who quietly repaired what someone else couldn’t.

Throughout his career, Wade worked for Textron and later at the New Orleans Convention Center. Eventually, he followed his entrepreneurial dream by starting Handyman Hustler LLC, where he built a reputation for quality workmanship, reliability, and taking pride in every project he completed.

Above all else, Wade’s greatest love was his family, especially his mother, Sherry, who meant the world to him. Though quiet by nature, he expressed his love through his actions, always willing to lend his time, his talents, and his unwavering support to those he cared about.

Wade is survived by his mother, Sherry Venable; his stepfather, Pat Venable; his step-siblings, Lindsey Venable, Jeremy Venable (Donna), Kellie Latiolais (Ben); Katie Schexnayder (Joey); his cousins, Toni Penney (Shane) and Gabby Trapani (Corey); his second cousins, Parker Penney, Olyna Zapata, Madeline Penney, and Dean Penney; his uncle, Glenn Calo; his aunt, Lois Cahanin 

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Warren Heidmann; his grandmother, Betty Heidmann; and his aunts, Stacey Heidmann and Tracey Heidmann.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Wade will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his willingness to help others without hesitation, his dry sense of humor, and the quiet kindness he showed through his actions rather than his words. Though he is gone too soon, the projects he completed, the lives he touched, and the memories he created with family and friends will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.