Ozie (Zeke) Rideaux , 84 , departed this life on Saturday, February 13,  2021 at Christus St. Patrick's Hospital.

Zeke, as he was affectionately called, was born September 9, 1936 to the late Benjamin Rideaux, Sr., and Hattie Batiste Rideaux in Opelousas, LA. He was the eldest of seven siblings. He was baptized at an early age at Zion Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. Ozie later joined New Covenant Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Jimmy R. Stevens until his passing.

Ozie attended and graduated from Washington High School in Lake Charles, LA.  Later, he enrolled at Southern University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Social Studies. He returned to Lake Charles to work and soon after, met and married Johnnie Robinson on August 19th, 1967 in LeCompte, LA.

Ozie was a kind man, who never met a stranger. He was a skilled writer and very well read. He wrote a weekly op-ed for the Gumbeaux newspaper and enjoyed reading sports magazines, comic books, Black history books and autobiographies. He loved traditional jazz composers like Hank Crawford and Miles Davis, and he loved the "Blues". He was the resident expert in the family on popular musicians and genres landing him a Sunday evening gig on the local radio station. If you ever rode with Ozie in the car, he always had music playing, either jazz, Bobby Womack, Otis Redding or Curtis Mayfield.  Ozie was an avid bowler. He often traveled with his brothers to bowling tournaments throughout Louisiana and to Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in national tournaments. He loved to tell jokes; he would have you rolling in laughter when he got started. We would be on the edge of our seats waiting on him to deliver the punch line.

Ozie was a former President of the North Lake Charles Kiwanis Club. He served as a commissioner on the Board of Commissioners at the Port of Lake Charles for many years and was elected Treasurer. In his role, he traveled domestically and internationally representing and marketing for the Port of Lake Charles.

Ozie's first job was with the Gulf Assistance Program. He would go on to work for 30 years as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America. He worked tirelessly in the community mentoring young men to be their best selves, many of whom have gone on to become politicians and work in other rewarding professions.

He was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Rideaux, Sr. and his mother, Hattie Batiste Rideaux and five brothers: Benjamin Rideaux, Jr., Willard Rideaux, Jerry Rideaux, Robert Rideaux and Ray Rideaux.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Johnnie Rideaux, his only sister, Patsy Rideaux James, two goddaughters, Amaris (Clayton) Coleman of Lakewood, CA and Nichelle (Alton) Stewart of Woodbridge, VA, a nephew like a son Troy (Indiana)  Rideaux, cousin Tonetta (Melvin) Beloney and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Ozie's nephews, Dwayne and Marcus and niece, Gwen for their unwavering love and support and his sitters, Eric, Maxie, Trovaskie, Mason, and Darion for their love and companionship.  Ozie was blessed to have all of you in his life.

Special thanks to Dr. Carl Ross for his encouragement and exceptional care and the 3rd floor Nursing Staff at St. Patrick's hospital for their compassion.

Public Visitation/Viewing will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at King's Funeral Home and Private Funeral Service, at 3:00 p.m., at New Covenant Faith Baptist Church, Pastor Jimmy Stevens, officiating.

Service will be Livestreamed on the New Covenant Faith Baptist Church Facebook Page - (Masks required for both services)

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com