Richard Creel

Richard “Sonny” Creel, beloved husband and father; cherished brother, uncle, and friend; and respected chef will be remembered for his incomparable work ethic, devotion to his family, dedication to helping others, and his mischievous sense of humor. Sonny’s positivity and creativity touched countless lives along his journey. He died unexpectedly Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Prairieville, LA, at the age of 57.

Born in New Orleans, LA, he completed high school in Chalmette, LA, and worked in various New Orleans establishments including Pat O’ Brien’s before relocating to the Florida panhandle in 1987 and pursuing his culinary interests at Marina Cafe in Destin, FL. Sonny was thrilled to become a dad in 1989 when he welcomed the birth of his son, Sheá. While in Destin, Sonny met the love of his life, Tui Cassube, and in 1997 they relocated to Baton Rouge, LA, where he became Executive Chef at Country Club of Louisiana, and they married later that year. Tui and Sonny were overjoyed to welcome the birth of their daughter, his “sweet pea” Jeweliana, in 2000, and Sonny became Executive Chef at Drusilla Place Catering in 2005 - where he remained and would have celebrated 20 years in the spring. When not in the kitchen or helping others, he could often be found in his garage tinkering on one of his many projects.

Sonny was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Montanaro. Left to carry on his legacy are his wife of 27 years, Tui Cassube Creel and their daughter Jeweliana Creel of Prairieville; his son Sheá Creel of New Orleans; stepdad Robert Montanaro, sister Dawn Creel, nephews Paul Arthurs and Kasey Gonzales, all of Prairieville; sister-in law, Tracie Coole Stith and her husband PJ of Marietta, GA; and the Bayou Manchac friends who became family.

Thanks to The Zito Family, an informal celebration of Sonny’s wonderful life will be held at Drusilla Place Catering, 3482 Drusilla Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Visiting will begin at 10:30am and continue until 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family’s crowdfunding site: https://gofund.me/547c0f99.