An Op Ed for Rickey Dejean, former chairman of the St. Landry Chamber

May 29, 2020                                                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                           Contact: Chazmyne Jackson
                                                                                (337) 942-2683
 
St. Paul in a Wheelchair
 
Opelousas lost a great man, a man of deep faith and devotion to loving and serving God and neighbor. Ricky Dejean who died last week at the age of 68 survived 50 years as a quadriplegic. He could have felt sorry for himself and let others take care of him but he chose to serve, first as a gifted, highly intelligent lawyer and then as “Saint Paul in a wheelchair”. That’s what I affectionately called him these last 25 years due to his passionate advocacy for anyone he met, in need especially those struggling with physical challenges.
 
Ricky helped to pass many important laws ensuring better access to buildings, etc. on a local state and even national level. He had a loving heart for everyone and found a way to help them if he could. He inspired many people in recent years despite being quite challenged and ill himself (with reoccurring Abscess is on his lower back). Ricky’s battle to live and serve God and neighbor in did but his memory will continue to inspire me the rest of my life and I’m sure many, many more who knew him.
 
                                                                                            Sincerely with Love and Admiration,
                                                                                
                                                                                 Dr. Brent Prather