John A. ("Johnny") Whitsell, Jr.

John Adam (“Johnny”) Whitsell, Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024.  He was 57 years old.  Johnny was born April 25, 1967, in Long Beach, California to Marlene Marie Petrey Whitsell.  

While attending afterschool activities at PARD Playground, he met the woman who would later be his wife, Denise Marie Gabriel.  Johnny was a longtime employee in the equipment rental industry, most recently with Caterpillar, serving as their Eastern Regional Rental Operations Manager.  His career afforded him the opportunity to meet countless customers who became friends, and colleagues who became family.  He and Denise recently moved back to Louisiana, residing in Livingston Parish, after spending most of last year in Florida - very close to Disney World! Johnny enjoyed rebuilding old cars and trucks, watching wrestling, football and LSU baseball and going to the hunting lease.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Mattie Fincher, and his parents-in-law, Karen Gabriel and Harold Gabriel, Sr.  Johnny is survived by his mother; his loving wife of 34 years, Denise Gabriel Whitsell; their devoted daughters, Melinda (“Mindy”) Fouse, Elani (“Lani”) Whitsell and boyfriend John Domanski, and Amy Whitsell and boyfriend Dwayne Brown; and his beloved granddaughter, Reese Fouse.  He is also survived by his former stepfather, who was always there for him, Dean Fincher and his wife Diana Griffin Fincher; his sisters Karen Townsend, Heidi Mince and husband Paul, Heather Knall and husband David, Melissa Whitsell and Micaela Marion and husband Michael; his brothers Mark Whitsell and wife Stephanie, Chad Griffin and wife Jessica, Nicholas Whitsell and Jacob Whitsell; brother-in-law, Harold Gabriel, Jr.; sister-in-law, Sandy Gabriel Terrebonne and husband Robert; numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family; and many friends.   

The family would like to acknowledge Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home for their support of Mindy and the Whitsell family during this difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Memorial Visitation and Reception will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m.  until 3:00 p.m.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com