Bobby Jack Derise, of Orangefield, is known for his style of Cajun dancing.

Derise met his wife, Mary, when she and a friend, Kathy Robinson, noticed him dancing one night 23 years ago.

“He is the best dancer in all of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana,” Robinson said. “It is amazing to watch he and his wife dance.”

Robinson added Derise taught her how to Cajun dance.

“He will dance with everybody,” Robinson said. “He made sure everyone had a chance to dance. If you attend any of the festivals, you may not know his name but you knew him by the way he danced.”

Derise is facing a double leg amputee due to complications from diabetes, ending his days of dancing.

“He just loves to laugh, dance and cut-up,” Robinson said. “This has been really hard on him and his wife.”

The couple is facing mounting medical expenses and to help a benefit for Derese will be held 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Port Acres KC Hall, 6621 West Port Arthur Road in Port Acres.

Barbecue dinners will be sold, a live auction will be held throughout the day, there will be a bake sale, a Bar-B-Q Pitt raffle, door prizes, split the pot-50/50, children activities and much more.  Live music is to be provided throughout the day by EAZY, The Cadillacs, Cajun Harmony, Jason Deleon and Cajun Blend, and Joe Mendoza and The Shuffle Kings. Rumor has it there may be special appearances by Steve Riley and Wayne Toups.
Cash donations can be made to 5 Point Credit Union- Benefit Account for Bobby Jack Derese, Account # 2870470. Contact KathyRobinson at kprobi@aol.com for further donation and benefit information.