Delano Braud Sr

Delano Braud Sr., a man of quiet strength, humor, and unforgettable storytelling, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Carl Joseph Braud Sr. and Louise Callier Braud. He was the beloved brother of Carl Jr. (Yvonne), Larry (Brenda) and the late Rudolph (Leslie), and Fernand. On March 31, 2025, at the age of 79, he peacefully transitioned, surrounded by his loving family. After relentlessly battling health issues, he still fought to remain a little longer with the people he loved most. He was a devoted husband to Barbara Gaudin Braud, and together, they built a beautiful family rooted in love. He was the proud father of Delano Jr., Joy Braud Sims (Dedrick), Dax Braud Sr. (Amina), and Kristina Braud Jones (William). He treasured his grandchildren, Taelar, Jade (Joe), Delano III, William, Xaeda, Kaleb, Dax Jr., and Austin, and adored his great-granddaughter, Jaicee. A proud New Orleanian, Delano lived with deep humility and an even deeper devotion to his family. Though he never claimed a formal church home, his generous spirit, faith-filled conversations, and love for people reflected a man grounded in the values of grace, compassion, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Del, as he was affectionately known, was a father figure not only to his own children but also to his sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, and countless neighborhood kids and friends. His wisdom, humor, and stories brought comfort, laughter, and life lessons to many. Delano proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a Morse Code Intercept Operator. That service led to his work with Western Union and later with ODECO, which became Murphy Oil. While working full-time, he pursued his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, often with his kids in tow, and proudly graduated with his family watching. After over 30 years of service in the oil industry, Hurricane Katrina forced his retirement, but Delano never stopped working. Whether fixing up his house, building things with his hands, mentoring others, or simply working on his beloved yellow truck, Del was always on the move. He loved to sing songs passed down from his mother, talk scripture with anyone who came to the door and listened to music until it gently lulled him to sleep. He was a master in the kitchen, known for his hot tamales, pound cake, and garlic parmesan vermicelli, and never made a dish the same way twice. Above all, Delano Braud Sr. lived a life of intention, love, and generosity. Even in his final days, he fought to stay with his family. His strength, laughter, and stories live on in each of us. We will carry him forward in our hearts, in our kitchens, and in the joyful sound of a song sung unexpectedly. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his Funeral Service at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.