David “Little Jessie” Jacob Gayden, 83, passed away Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021 in DeQuincy. David was born and raised in DeQuincy.
At an early age, he became a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he joined the Junior Choir. His love of music was always at the forefront of events in his life. When it was offered after school under the direction of Mr. Mathews, his parents bought him a trumpet so he could play in the marching band.
This was his passion which he seriously enjoyed and practiced every Saturday in his father’s workshop. He and a group of his friends that were in the school band formed a jazz group that played at various venues in and around DeQuincy.
After graduating from Grand Avenue High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completing his tour of duty, he returned to DeQuincy and attended Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge. for a short period of time he was there, he played his beloved trumpet in Southern’s marching band. David worked at the shipyard in Orange, Texas, and later attended McNeese State University, Lake Charles, earning a degree in Business.
He moved to Los Angeles, Calif. where he and Rebecca Thomas (Gayden) married, lived and worked for many years, he as an accountant and Rebecca as a teacher. After retiring, they moved back to DeQuincy. Their union lasted for 44 years.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Gayden, Jr and Madeline Robertson Gayden.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Thomas Gayden; daughter, Debra Gayden Carter of Baton Rouge; and son, Ronald Wayne Gayden (Tiwona) of Lake Charles. He has seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Gayden Carter (Will), Oceanside, Calif.; Uncle, Jack Robertson (Eula Mae), St. Martinville; and a host of nieces, nephews,cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Mar. 27, and the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. The visitation and funeral will be held at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Interment will follow at Paradise Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
