Joseph Newton Daigle Jr.

Our hearts are heavy with the passing of a legend. Joseph Newton Daigle, Jr., 90, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed peacefully on to his next adventure Tuesday, September 1, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Newton was surrounded by loved ones at home in his final days.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1936, Newton was the son of Joseph Newton Daigle Sr. and Marie Rhea Boudousquie Daigle, and big brother to Malcolm August Daigle. Throughout his life, he chased the impossible dream, escaping more close calls than he could count.

He spent his early childhood in New Orleans, moving to Slidell, Louisiana, as a teenager. A 1955 graduate of Slidell High, Newton quarterbacked the football team and brought his charismatic spirit to the stage in performances at Slidell’s Little Theatre.

Newton got his start at Southern Shipbuilding, learning the trade that would lead him into a career in marine architecture and electrical engineering. Despite never completing the degree he began at Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana, he became highly regarded for his work and was recognized as a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

His more than five decades of work would take him around the world—from offshore platforms in the Gulf, to travels across Europe and the Middle East, to life-changing years in Alaska, and to Houston and across the Gulf Coast—making connections and building lifelong friendships wherever he went. He took pride in his work for Brown & Root, Seco Industries, Test Engineering, and Fluor Daniel, as well as in serving clients such as Kerr-McGee, Amoco, Texaco, Shell and others through his consulting company Eagle Petroleum Services. He retired from an 18-year career at MEITEC Inc. at the young-at-heart age of 78.

Newton was a lifelong dreamer with a steadfast and resilient spirit. He earned his 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, winning numerous championships and only hanging up his belt when a car accident in his 50s forced him to step away. Proud of his deep Louisiana roots, he treasured his connection to Church Point, Louisiana—a town founded by his ancestors—and enjoyed visiting his cousins and extended family there. He loved being on the water, whether on a boat or in a canoe, and of all the places he traveled, Alaska captured his heart. His wild adventures could have filled several lifetimes, and despite his many close calls, his guardian angels always brought him safely home.

Newton’s family was at the heart of his story. He was the proud father of three children, Dr. Leith Anne Daigle (the late Floyd Laurent), the late Ashton Lee Daigle (Andrea Walker), and Heather Marie Daigle Xu; grandfather to Aslyn Leigh Daigle Ellis (Brandon Ellis) and Alexander Xavier Daigle; and great-grandfather to Hannah Claire Ellis and Shelby Layne Ellis.

On June 25, 1994, in Fairbanks, Alaska, Newton married the love of his life, Dolores Ann “Dee” Songy. Together, they shared 35 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and more than a few questionable jokes, always with a puppy or two by their sides. They were active members of the choir at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Diamondhead, Mississippi, where they built a strong community of friends.

In his final years, Newton explored his genealogy, reminisced about Alaska, recounted stories of his many adventures, cooked his favorite Cajun classics, enjoyed the occasional dirty martini (with an olive, of course), and stayed in touch with many the friends he had made along the way. He loved reading poems by Robert Service that evoked the spirit of the Yukon, listening to songs by Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson, and embodying The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha.

At 90 years old, Newton’s body could no longer contain his free spirit and wandering soul. He has reunited with his parents, his little brother, his son, and his son-in-law, and he leaves behind so many more who loved him. We're all grateful for the 90 years he blessed us with his presence, and we know his spirit is still with us.

A Celebration of Life service will be planned for early 2027. Click here watch a tribute to his life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Newton can contribute to Newton’s Puppy Fund, helping to care for Lucy and Cassie, the beloved pups who brought him so much joy and now remain faithfully by Dee’s side.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.