About

Dr. Eugene Gustave Durel was a prominent physician, civic leader, and parish coroner whose career in Pointe Coupee Parish spanned nearly four decades. Born in New Orleans on January 26, 1912, he was the son of Dr. Wallace J. Durel, a lung specialist, and Lucie de Blanc Durel. After graduating from St. Paul’s College in Covington in 1928, he went on to Tulane University, earning his medical degree in 1935, following in the steps of his father. In October 1936, he moved to New Roads, where he established his medical practice that would serve generations of Pointe Coupee residents.

Dr. Durel quickly became a central figure in both medicine and community life. In 1939, he and his brother, Dr. Homer Durel, purchased property on Main Street, and by 1951 he had opened a modern medical office in New Roads complete with advanced facilities. He served on the medical staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital and was instrumental in improving local healthcare, including helping to establish a laboratory there in 1951. Beyond his medical practice, he chaired the Red Cross blood program for Pointe Coupee, spearheaded a parishwide oral polio vaccine campaign in 1962, and held leadership roles in multiple medical organizations, including president of the 6th District Medical Society and second vice president of the Louisiana State Medical Society.

Active outside of medicine, Dr. Durel was deeply involved in civic affairs. A past president of the New Roads Lions’ Club in 1951 and a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, he was also a strong supporter of local traditions such as Mardi Gras, serving on committees that organized parades and music for community celebrations. He and his wife, the former Kathlyn Claire Hebert of White Castle, shared a love of flying, purchasing an Aeronca Chief airplane in the 1940s and even training together as pilots. They raised two daughters, Cheryl and Sheila Marie, and later became grandparents.

In 1971, following the death of Dr. James C. Roberts, Dr. Durel was appointed Parish Coroner, a position he held unopposed for many years. At the time, he was recognized as the parish’s longest-serving practicing physician and served as Chief of Staff at Pointe Coupee General Hospital. His reputation as a dedicated and personable doctor extended beyond his clinical skills to his civic vision, culminating in his appointment to the Capital Area Health Planning Council in 1974. Through his medical practice, leadership roles, and community service, Dr. Durel left a lasting mark on the health and history of Pointe Coupee Parish.

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