Warren Dedeaux

Warren Alvin aÌ‚â‚Å“Ikeâ₝ Dedeaux, 81, passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2007 in the same home in which he was born.
Mr. Dedeaux's family was one of the original families to settle the Coastal area back in the early 1800's. In his youth, he and his family were cattlemen and founded Dedeaux Packing Co. Cattle roamed from Dedeaux Road to the Bayou at Seaway Road which was the location of the packing company. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 978. In 1966 Mr. Dedeaux founded Dedeaux Utility Co. to serve water and sewer to the people of the rural area in which he had grown up and loved so deeply. His efforts were spawned by his vision of promoting the continued growth of Gulfport. He operated the utility company until December 2004 when it was taken by the city of Gulfport. The case has been remanded for a new trial. aÌ‚â‚Å“Ikeâ₝ was loved and respected by his family and friends and always lended a helping hand. He was truly greatful to the professional community who helped he and his family fulfill their dreams. His family will remember him as a man of God, a man of his word, and a man of peace. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
His family feels his spirit is captured in Matthew Chapter 5 Verses 8 and 9, aÌ‚â‚Å“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to IkeaÌ‚â‚â„¢s youngest sister Mildred, her children and grandchildren for the selfless act of opening their home and hearts to us in our time of need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Dedeaux, his first daughter, Denise aÌ‚â‚Å“Dedeâ₝ Hudson, and his brothers, Ray Dedeaux, Curtis Dedeaux, Jack Dedeaux, and Nary Dedeaux.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Christine Dedeaux of Gulfport, founder of ChrisaÌ‚â‚â„¢ Beauty College in Gulfport; Daughters, Betsy Dedeaux Martin of New Orleans and son-in-law Michael S. Martin, Patricia Ann Lehmann of Las Vegas, NV and husband Robert A. Lehmann, and Paula Sue Stewart of Gulfport; Grandchildren, Warren Hudson Dedeaux, Justin Maurice Stewart, Samuel Harrington Stewart, Storey Jo Martin, Ike Alexander Martin; Sisters, Alma Long, Naomi Herrin, Doris Heebee, and Mildred Stewart. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at the Riemann familyaÌ‚â‚â„¢s Gulf Coast Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, where friends may call from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at Northwood Christian Center on O'Neal Road in Gulfport at 2 p.m., where friends may visit one hour prior to services.
Burial, with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Navy, will follow funeral services at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Northwood Christian Center, (14281 O'Neal Road, Gulfport, Mississippi 39503), or the Amercian Cancer Society, (417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507).
An online guestbook may be signed at www.gulfcoastfh.com.