The Promulgator The Official Magazine of the Lafayette Bar Association
in memoriam
april 2021 | volume 34 | issue 2
Association Board
OUR MISSION is to serve the profession, its members and the community by promoting professional excellence, respect for the rule of law and fellowship among attorneys and the court.
THE PROMULGATOR is the official magazine of the Lafayette Bar Association, and is published six times per year. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Committee.
ON THE COVER
Every year during Court Opening ceremonies, the lives of attorneys we lost in the previous year are memorialized with special words given by family and friends. Because this year's ceremonies have been postponed due to the pandemic, the Association felt it could not postpone honoring these men and women and their contributions to the legal community.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President's Message..........................................................3 Pro Bono Honor Roll..........................................................3 Golf Tournament Recap..................................................4 Family Law Section Update.........................................5 Family Law Section Social.............................................5 Young Lawyers Section Update................................5 Homer "Ed" Barousse, Jr.................................................7 R. Hamilton "Hammy" Davis........................................8 Simone C. Dupré..................................................................9 William "Bill" Logan............................................................9 Howard Franques, Jr..........................................................10 Kenneth Hix..............................................................................11 John W. Hutchison..............................................................12 Vincent Cicardo, Sr..............................................................12 Robert Vincent.......................................................................13 Bernie McLaughlin.............................................................14 Stephen "Steve" Oats.........................................................15 Samuel W. Plauché III.......................................................16 Lane Roy......................................................................................17 William "Bill" Vidrine..........................................................18 Daniel F. Seidel.......................................................................18 Classified.....................................................................................20 The Grapevine.........................................................................20
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UPCOMING EVENTS
APR 8 | PROFESSIONALISM CLE "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion," presented by Dwazendra Smith | LBA | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
APR 14 | SPRING SOCIAL Young Lawyers host LBA Spring Social at Wurst Biergarten 5:30 - 7:30 PM
APR 28 | CIVIL FEDERAL PRO BONO PROGRAM PANEL CLE Presented by Hon. Robert Summerhays, addresses the new Civil Federal Pro Bono Program. Free to attend. 1.0 CLE | LBA | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
APR 29 | PROFESSIONALISM CLE & OATH RENEWAL "Professionalism in the Age of Social Media, COVID, and Hurricanes,"
Karen King, President Shannon Dartez, President-Elect Pat Magee, Secretary/Treasurer Glenn Edwards, Imm. Past President George D. Ernest III, Foundation Chair John Barron Paige Beyt Roya Boustany Vicky Bowers Stuart Breaux Carolyn Cole Robert David Claire Edwards Taylor Fontenot Kenneth Hebert McKinley James Robert Kallam Jason Matt Lindsay Meador Young Gregory Mier Andrew Mims Gregory Moroux Joseph Oelkers Maggie Simar
Foundation Board
George D. Ernest III, Foundation Chair Greg Tonore, Vice Chair Dean Cole, Secretary/Treasurer John Swift, Imm. Past Chair Shannon Dartez Blake David Theodore "Glenn" Edwards Thomas R. Hightower, Jr. Jonathan Jarrett Karen King Miles Matt John McElligott Lindsay Meador Young Kenny Oliver Maggie Simar
Editorial Committee
Edward Barousse, Editor Corrie Gallien Mandi Bucher Cranay Murphy Dwazendra Smith Daniel Phillips Claire Edwards Dyan Schnaars
presented by Justice James
Lafayette Bar Staff
Genovese followed by a renewal of
Pam Landaiche Executive Director
the oath all attorneys take. LBA | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
AUG 26-28 | BENCH BAR 2021 "Game On" Windsor Court Hotel New Orleans, LA Save the Date! More details coming soon. To register for events, visit lafayettebar.org or call (337) 237-4700.
Katelyn Guidry Director of Marketing & Membership Marilyn Lopez Director of Pro Bono Services Jessica McNabb Events Coordinator Cheryl Robichaux Administrative Assistant
president' s message Saying Farewell
The last year has taken many family members and colleagues from us. Given that we were unable to have our regularly scheduled court opening in January, we wanted to take a moment to remember the life and legacies of our colleagues. This caused me to pause and reflect on whether I have expressed appreciation and thanks to those who have served as mentors or sponsors in my legal career. Between meetings, depositions, and trials, when Karen King was the last time we thanked someone for the advice, the straight talk, or the lessons that we learned from them? I invite you to use this month to let your colleagues, mentors, and sponsors know what they have meant to you and your journey as a lawyer. As the daughter of an English teacher, with an English background as well, I often write haikus. And so, I leave you with one that I hope resonates with you. Lawyer. Leader. Friend. Impactful. Your Presence Felt. Never Forgotten. Until next time,
PRO BONO
HONOR ROLL
the following attorneys have accepted one or more Pro bono cases in the past two months Caleb Aguillard H. Kent and Caleb K. Aguillard, Attorneys at Law
Jonathan Jarrett The Jarrett Firm Ken Jones NeunerPate
Charmaine Borne Randazzo, Giglio & Bailey
Dyan Schnaars Schnaars Law Firm
Amy Boudreaux Lineage Law
Sarah Simmons NeunerPate
Dean Cole NeunerPate
Emily Tate Andrus Boudreaux Complete Title
Claire Edwards Claire Edwards, Attorney at Law
Shaun Trahan L. Shaun Trahan, Attorney at Law
Jessica Hapak Claire Edwards, Attorney at Law
GET INVOLVED
Karen J. King
BEING INVOLVED IN PRO BONO IS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE AS YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, GAIN EXPERIENCE IN THE COURT ROOM, AND EARN CLE CREDIT. CONTACT MARILYN AT THE LBA TO GET INVOLVED. Marilyn@lafayettebar.org | 337.237.4700 x 102
The following firms collected the most dollars/food. 1 Point = 1 LB of food OR $1 Donation
Large Firm (15+ Attorneys)
NeunerPate
Medium Firm (8-14 Attorneys)
Kean Miller LLP (Lafayette Office) Small Firm (2-7 Attorneys)
Broussard & David Solo Firm
Joshua S. Barnhill, LLC We would also like to recognize all firms who participated: Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, LLC; Bradley Moreau Title; Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McElligott, Fontenot, Gideon, & Edwards; Office of the District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District Court; Gibson Law Partners, LLC; The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation; Hightower Law Firm; Hurlburt, Monrose & Ernest; Liskow & Lewis; O'Pry Law Firm; Onebane Law Firm; Ottinger Hebert; The Law Offices of Tony Morrow; Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC
BIRDIE WITH THE BAR
GOLD TOURNAMENT
The 13th Annual Birdie with the Bar Golf Tournament resumed its regular spring schedule on March 12, 2021. This annual event benefits the Lafayette Bar Foundation's pro bono programs, which provide free legal services to the most vulnerable in Acadiana. Throughout the afternoon, golfers enjoyed food from local restaurants and refreshments as they played the 18 holes on The Wetlands Golf Course. First Place Net 52: Hunco Real Estate – Drew Clark, Bill McElligott, Nick Knight, Jared Guillot Second Place Net 53: Stubbs Law Firm – Tad Hightower, Cory Lavergne, Ben Lognion, Chris Breaux Third Place Net 56: Acadian Ambulance – Jesse Proctor, Alex Boudreaux, Sam Trahan, Logan Sonnier First Place Gross 54: Completeful – Josh Goree, Ray Alford, Justin Martin, Derek Busby Second Place Gross 54: Adam Credeur, Parker Mitchell, Andrew Hebert, Clinton Shepard
Thanks to our Sponsors!
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TIME TO CLIMB
On March 24, 2021, the Young Lawyers Section Health & Wellness Committee hosted an indoor rock climbing event at Southern Stone Indoor Rock Climbing. The event was organized by David Kobetz, Committee Chair; young lawyers were instructed on proper climbing techniques and then hit the walls to climb on their own. Be on the lookout for other health and wellness initiatives coming from the Young Lawyers Section!
Family Law Section News
PRESIDENT TAYLOR FONTENOT:
IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING AS PRESIDENT
The Family Law Section is continuing to offer in-person and virtual CLE options during our regular monthly meetings, and will do so at least through May. For our March meeting Daniel Jurek, LPC-S, LMFT of the Pax Renewal Center presented, "Domestic Violence in the Home and its Effects on Family." On Thursday, March 25, 2021, the Section hosted a "Meet the Judges" social at POUR in River Ranch, where members of the section were able to meet the judges of the 15th Judicial District Court. We would like to thank all that were involved in the planning of this successful event, as well as the many judges who were in attendance.
&
Looking ahead, our upcoming meetings for the rest of the spring will be as follows: • April 12, 2021 – "The Servicemember Civil Relief Act" presentation by Hon. Maggie Simar
If you are interested in attending any of the above CLE presentations, please contact myself or the LBA staff to register. Our section will take its usual summer hiatus for the months of June and July, but be on the lookout for an invitation for our annual crawfish boil in May.
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UPCOMING CLEs
APRIL 12, 2021 | " The Servicemember Civil Relief Act" presented by Hon. Maggie T. Simar, Hearing Officer 16th Judicial District Court MAY 10, 2021 | " Practice Tips for Community Property Partitions" presented by Commissioner André Doguet, 15th Judicial District Court To register for in-person or virtual attendance, go to www.lafayettebar.org. In-Person Price including lunch: $25 Members / $50 Non-Members Virtual Price: $15 Members / $40 Non-Members Meetings begin at 11:30 AM followed by CLE presentation at 12:00 Noon.
YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION
MEET
AN UPDATE FROM PRESIDENT
CAROLYN COLE
greet
With the Judges
• May 10, 2021 – "Practice Tips for Community Property Partitions" presentation by Commissioner André Doguet
Hon. Marilyn Castle & Brittney Esie
March 25, 2021
On Friday, March 12, 2021, the YLS hosted the 13th Annual Birdie with the Bar Golf Tournament at The Wetlands Golf Course. Thanks to all of our sponsors and participants, this was another record-setting event raising money for the Lafayette Bar Foundation Pro Bono programs. Young lawyers gathered together at Southern Stone Indoor Rock Climbing after work on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 to climb. This event was hosted by the YLS Health & Wellness committee. More wellness events are coming soon, so stay tuned!
Hearing Officer Maggie Simar & Pete Piccione
The YLS CLE Committee is planning a 1.0 Professionalism CLE on April 8, 2021, at the Lafayette Bar Office. Dwazendra Smith will be presenting "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion," beginning at 6:00 PM. The event is free for Young Lawyers Section members and $20 for all others. Our social calendar is resuming! The YLS will host a spring social on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at the Wurst Biergarten from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. COVID protocols will be followed.
Hearing Officer Kelly Sanford,Taylor Fontenot & Wesley Galjour
Courtney Guillory, Paula Bertuccini & Michael Domingue
Bart Bernard, Hon. Michelle Breaux, Hon. Susan Theall & Ann Latour Cecile Lafleur, Ricky LaFleur, Hon. David Blanchet, Afif Jebara
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February 15, 2021
President Ronald S. Flagg Board of Directors John G. Levi Chicago, IL
Chairman
Fr. Pius Pietrzyk, OP Menlo Park, CA
Vice Chair
Robert J. Grey, Jr. Richmond, VA Matthew Keenan Leawood, KS Abigail Lawlis Kuzma Indianapolis, IN Victor B. Maddox Louisville, KY John G. Malcolm Washington, D.C. Laurie Mikva Chicago, IL Frank X. Neuner, Jr. Lafayette, LA Julie A. Reiskin Denver, CO Gloria Valencia-Weber Albuquerque, NM
Dear Bar Association President: I am writing to ask for your assistance in the Legal Services Corporation’s (LSC) outreach efforts for the Basic Field Grant Program. Under our basic field grants process, LSC is required to provide reasonable notice of funds available in state and local bar journals and other publications. This notice is for funding that will be awarded in December 2021 for grants that begin January 2022. A copy of the notice of funds available (NOFA) is enclosed. My specific request is for donated advertising space for the NOFA in your journal, inclusion in an editorial column, or in other announcements to bar members. The basic field grant Request for Proposals (RFP) will be posted on or around April 15, 2021 at https://www.lsc.gov/grants-grantee-resources/our-grant-programs/basicfield-grant. Therefore, we ask that the NOFA be included in the March or April issue of your journal. If submission deadlines have passed for publishing the notice, LSC would appreciate your assistance in disseminating this information to your membership through other means (such as an upcoming mailing or email to your membership or posted on your website). If you are unable to donate the space, please let us know the cost of such publication so that we can make the necessary arrangements in time for a March or April publication. Please contact Caroline Shriver at shriverc@lsc.gov as soon as you have made a determination as to what level of assistance you will be able to provide LSC with respect to the enclosed NOFA. Hearing from you as soon as possible will help us ensure that we do not miss any advertising deadlines. Please use “2021 Bar Journal” as the subject line for all e-mails to Judith Lee regarding this matter. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continuing support for legal services. Sincerely,
Joyce McGee Director Office of Program Performance Enclosure
3333 K Street, NW 3rd Floor Washington, DC 20007-3522 Phone 202.295.1500 Fax 202.337.679 www.lsc.gov
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in memoriam mr. homer ed barousse, jr. august 12, 1943 - august 6, 2020 Homer Ed Barousse, Jr. died this past August, a few days shy of his 77th birthday. Homerwas born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana. His parents were teachers. After graduating from St. Michael’s High School in Crowley, he attended USL in Lafayette and later LSU Law School where he graduated in 1968. I met Homer in the Fall of 1967 at the law school. Homer, as he was known to his friends, had commandeered one of the cubicles in the law library to serve as his office. When I introduced myself as being from Rayne, with a certain degree of disdain he questioned my ability to become an attorney. I immediately liked him. At a social function later that year he was accompanied by a beautiful coed, Carolyn Baker, from Shreveport. I knew then that in addition to being smart, he was also very lucky. He went back to Crowley where he practiced with the firm of Edwards, Edwards and Broadhurst, composed of Governor Edwin Edwards, his brother Nolan and a good friend Billy Broadhurst. He immediately gained a reputation as one of the best appellate attorneys in the area. He later practiced with the firm of Edwards, Stefanski and Barousse. Afterwards, he and John Craton were in practice as Barousse and Craton. I often wondered why he always referred to himself as Homer as opposed to Ed. I assumed he thought everyone knew who Homer, the Greek poet was. I was more familiar with Homer Simpson from the t.v. series. It takes a big person to call himself Homer, and he was more than up to it. He had the utmost respect for the court and the law and, particularly, the integrity that was so important in which one needed to conduct one’s dealings with his fellow attorneys. We both learned in the early 1970's from Nolan Edwards that cases could be settled with phone calls and your word, no putting it in writing necessary.
or four other attorneys had turned down, which I ended up taking and calling Homer for assistance. After being properly chastised by him for taking the case I just told him to find the law and we could make some money. Homer’s style before a jury was so low key I questioned how the jurors would get it. In a dog bite case where a postman was unfortunate to have been bitten where no man should be by two pit bulls, he told the jury the story of his dog Millsaps biting his good friend, Dr. delaHoussaye. I cringed. The jury got it–some dogs bit and then some dogs are killers. The jury awarded our client more than $600,000. Homer loved the law, but more than anything he loved his beautiful wife Carolyn. In Homer’s last years he suffered from dementia. Carolyn was constantly by his side. Whenever I visited him I always told him to get well as we had cases to try which always seemed to bring a smile to his face. Homer loved Carolyn, his wonderful five children, his church and the law. Homer is loved and missed by all those who knew him. Special thank you to Kenny Privat for allowing us to honor Mr. Barousse through words and personal memories.
We were on opposite sides many times, but in our later years, I would associate Homer in cases for which I was too lazy to prepare. Usually it was a case that three
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in memoriam mr. r. hamilton hammy davis " " 1960 - 2020 My walk with R. Hamilton "Hammy" Davis commenced many years before our respective graduations from law school in 1986 and starting out together as young associates that same year. This journey with my friend began on the rock filled, dusty playground of Marion Hall at Mount Carmel in the late 60's. From those "rough and tumble" tackle football games during recess, we went on to our "glory days" at CathedralCarmel; as well as many pitchers of beer thereafter. When I talk about our walk together over many years, it would be more apt for me to say that I "took a knee" along our path to witness the inspiring walk of a man of tremendous courage, intelligence, talent, wit and affability. Our friend and colleague left this Earth on October 22, 2020 and for those whom he touched (literally thousands) our lives will never quite be as fun or enlightened. Shortly after we began the practice of law together, some of the more senior members of the firm sent down numerous cases to the neophyte lawyers that were burdened with myriad factual and/or legal challenges. Hammy ended up with one of the more "challenging" ones. However, within three months of being admitted to the Bar, Hammy was presenting that case before a Lafayette Parish jury against a well-seasoned defense lawyer. Hammy won a six figure verdict that still amazes me. His communication skills were second to none. Although he experienced success as a practicing trial attorney for over a decade, Hammy made a professional transition to the multi-faceted real estate business world. As would be expected, his success as a commercial real estate broker, investor and advisor were virtually unparalleled. Many who partnered with Hammy described him as a sage innovator who seemed to always do the right thing, at the right time, and in the right way. Many younger aspiring realtors considered him to be their mentor. Hammy had a deep devotion to people experiencing the devastation of homelessness. As a true humanitarian, he always looked beyond the tattered clothes, makeshift bedding rolls and sullen expressions oft seen in the faces of these individuals. Hammy saw beyond their despair and embraced their spiritual worth. He put into practice: "Whatsoever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters, you do unto me". This mantra was not limited to the homeless, but to many experiencing extremely hard times.
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One of the poignant verses in the Avett Brothers song "No Hard Feelings" states: "When my body won't hold me anymore and it finally lets me free, will I be ready"? Unfortunately, at the relatively young age of 60, Hammy had to "walk that walk" and face his own mortality. He did so with much bravery, courage, faith and love. Through it all, Hammy had the love and support of his wonderful wife of 30 years, Angi, and his five adoring children, "Happy", Abigail, "Gracie", Amelia and Philip, as well as his siblings, extended family and friends. Prayers for Hammy's peaceful deliverance from all sectors of our country were also abundantly offered. I believe he was ready. "Ready", only in the sense that he could honestly look back upon the various chapters of his life, and with no regret and a great deal of satisfaction just say "goodbye". On behalf of so many, we say in thanksgiving - thank you Hammy for lifting us up when we were down, re-enforcing our hope during despair, helping us find our self-worth when it was in doubt, making us laugh when we were sad, and energizing us to achieve greater things when we thought we never could. Repose en Paix, mon frere.
James H. Domengeaux, Sr.
in memoriam ms. simone dupré april 9, 1968 - february 23, 2020 Simone was a successful member of the Lafayette area legal community for over 28 years. Born in Port Barre, Louisiana, she attended Louisiana State University for her undergraduate studies before eventually earning her law degree from Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1992. During her time in law school she was a member of the Louisiana Law Review and the Moot Court Board. After an initial clerkship in Shreveport, Louisiana, she returned to South Louisiana in Lafayette where she began her career with Voohries & Labbe. She also worked with the Dill Firm, Zurich Insurance, and Dupre’ Energy Services. While serving as in-house council for a group of oilfield service companies, she gained a unique understanding of the industry’s litigation, a skill appreciated by her clients and colleagues alike. She finished her career with Lewis and Brisbois. Over the course of her career, she handled hundreds of cases in a wide range of complex and challenging matters. Simone was active in the Acadiana Inns of Court (Master), Louisiana Bar Association, as well as the Lafayette Bar Association. She enjoyed being with family and friends and deeply cherished the relationships that she had with them. ‘Aunt Monie’ was a beloved aunt to her eight nieces and nephews, as well as children of her dear friends. Her talent as a hostess, as well as her sparkling wit and gift as an outstanding conversationalist, will be remember with fondness. If you were lucky enough to be included in one of her small gatherings, you were fortunate to enjoy her delicious cooking as well as the lovely settings that she created. She was an outdoors fan who enjoyed camping and hiking. Simone was an avid gardener and was known to have an eye for beautiful landscapes. One of her great passions was animals. She is survived by her mother, Norma Lee Dupre’, and four siblings: Andree Dupre’ Elder, Cornelius Dupre’ II and his wife Celia Dupre’, John Rayburn Dupre’, Jr. and his wife Jenny, and Jeanne Dupre’ Weido and her husband Anthony J. Weido, and her beloved dog, Izzy. She had eight nieces and nephews and three great nieces and nephews. Simone was extremely close to her father, John Rayburn Dupre’, Sr. who passed away in 2012.
mr. william "bill" logan september 20, 1929 - february 27, 2020 Funeral services were held Monday, March 2, 2020 at a 1 PM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Catholic Church for Mr. William Edward "Bill" Logan, Jr who died in his sleep on Thursday February 27, 2020. The Reverend Mario Romero was the celebrant of the Funeral Mass assisted by Deacon William "Bill" Pollingue, Bill's Nephew. Left to cherish his memory are his six children: William E. Logan, III and his wife Charla Logan; Roger Brent Logan and his wife Melissa Logan; James Michael Logan and his wife Tammy Logan; Glenn T. Logan; Sylvia Ann Luckett and her husband Damian Luckett; and Gregory J. Logan and his wife Darcy Logan; nine grandchildren: Parker, Paige, Payton, Blaise, William, Joseph, Nicholas, Jesse and Sarah and his sister Mildred Logan Burress. Mr. Logan was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Olinde Logan and his wife, Patsy Grantham Logan, his parents, William E. Logan, Sr. and Gabriella Byrne Logan, brothers and sisters Mary Gabriella Logan Pollingue, Margaret Logan Hardie, Henry Logan, Ann Logan Mills, Charles Logan, Floyd Logan, and Eddie Logan. A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Bill moved to Pass Christian, Mississippi "the Coast" with his family during high school, a place he always cherished and visited often. After graduating from St. Stanislaus, Bill attended Spring Hill College in Mobile then moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola Law School. Soon after graduating Law School, he moved to Lafayette with his wife Sylvia Olinde Logan to start a family and embark on a new career, a community and its people he grew to love and cherish. During his years as a young lawyer he served as Assistant District Attorney protecting the citizens of Lafayette; as Parish Attorney representing many of the boards and commissions of the City and Parish Governments including the Lafayette Regional Airport Commission, the Lafayette Planning and Zoning Commission and established water and waste water districts to bring city water and sewage services into the rural parts of the parish. Much of what he did working tirelessly helping Lafayette develop and progress into the great community it is today, was done as a public service without compensation. Having deep roots in the Catholic Church, his Jesuit education and a strong faith, he was also a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fatima Council and later was called on to assist in establishing Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish as Lafayette grew and expanded south. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and sports fan, enjoying hunting and fishing with his family and attending LSU football games for over 50 years. He was active in Mardi Gras and was a long-time member and participated in several Mardi Gras Krewes, including the Krewe of Gabriel. The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and at MD Anderson. The family would also like to express their appreciation to Ramona LaLonde his executive assistant for the past 25 years and to his caregivers who were with him and by his side twenty-four hours a day for the past five years Chinita, Crystal, Linda, Liz and Mary.
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in memoriam mr. howard l. franques, jr. january 10, 1938 - november 12, 2020 Howard Luckett Franques Jr., 82, a lifelong resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away at his home on November 12, 2020, in the company of his loving family. Howard was an adoring and dedicated husband, father and grandfather survived by his wife of 61 years, Patsy Sue Acord Franques; son William Franques Sr., daughter-in-law Yvette, and grandchildren William Jr., Benjamin and Madeline; son Howard Franques III, daughter-in-law Annette, and grandchildren Matthew and Claire; and daughter Susan Franques Flurry, son-in-law Philip and granddaughter Charlotte. Howard was preceded in death by his father, Howard Luckett Franques Sr., and his mother, Beatrice Angelle Franques. Born on January 10, 1938, he was a 1955 graduate of Cathedral High School, where as a sophomore he met and began dating future wife Patsy Sue, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly 70 years. Howard received a bachelor’s of arts degree in history from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, and he earned the Juris Doctor degree from the LSU School of Law. He was a practicing attorney for over 50 years, and he was an active member of several civic and legal organizations. He served as president of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association and as president of the Pinhook Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors. Howard worked on the City of Lafayette’s Charter Revision Committee, and he was the chairman of both the Professional Division and the Attorneys Division of the United Givers Fund. He gave hope to the clients for whom he offered his legal services at no charge; even in retirement, he kept his law license active in order to help friends who needed free legal assistance. Howard was resolute in his support of his beloved home state, particularly Louisiana’s higher education system and its economic vitality. He proudly served on the LSU Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1987-89, and he often shared his opinions in the Letters section of The Advocate, gracing its pages with thoughtful insight on his vision for Louisiana. A man of strong faith, Howard loved literature, history and physical fitness, taking a daily jog for more than 55 years. In retirement, he and Patsy enjoyed traveling throughout the country, visiting America’s beautiful sites from Maine to California. He loved to share and discuss ideas with others, and he cherished the friends with whom he enjoyed wonderful conversation at his favorite coffee shops. He had indepth knowledge of World War II that was inspired by his uncle, Leo Franques, who participated in dozens of missions over Germany as a B-26 bombardier. Howard particularly enjoyed the writings of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Somerset Maugham, and his favorite poem was “IF” by Rudyard Kipling, a copy of which he had framed in his room as a young boy. Howard took great pride in the fact that he was still able to jog on a regular basis as recently as last August as an 82-year-old cancer patient. He lived for four years after his original cancer diagnosis when it was first thought he may only live for 18 months, and in the final weeks of his life, he was determined to stand up and walk out of the hospital to
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spend his last days at home with his family. He often said, “Work to better yourself every day mentally, physically and spiritually, and the rest will take care of itself.” Perseverance, he believed, would bring fulfillment. Howard often walked to St. John’s Cathedral from his law office a few blocks away on W. Convent Street in order to pray. He was a longtime supporter of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery in Lafayette and believed strongly in their ministry. He never feared death because he knew he would be safe in God’s hands. Soon after he began hospice, Father Cedric Sonnier of St. Mary’s Parish administered the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and Howard said he felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit as Father Sonnier recited the prayers. He firmly believed this teaching of the Catholic Church: “We know earthly death is not the end, but rather the door through which we must pass to gain eternal life. Because of our belief and hope in the Resurrection, we can face death not with fear, but with preparation… We prepare for eternal life by choosing to love and follow God in our daily lives and decisions.” A funeral Mass celebrating Howard’s life was held at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette on November 23, 2020. Honorary pallbearers were William Franques Sr., Howard Franques III, Matthew Franques, William Franques Jr., Benjamin Franques, Charles Franques, Philip Flurry, Darryl Boniol, Marc Mouton, Anthony Navarre, John Abdella and Paul Angelle. As mentioned earlier, Howard greatly admired Ernest Hemingway, and he and Patsy once traveled to Sun Valley, Idaho, to visit Hemingway’s memorial. In their home in Lafayette, there sits on a desk a framed photo of Howard standing at the memorial, and engraved beneath the bust of Hemingway are words the famous author wrote about a friend who had died. The inscription reads: “Best of all he loved the fall. The leaves yellow on the cottonwoods, leaves floating on the trout streams, and above the hills the high blue windless skies … Now he will be a part of them forever.” Howard is now a part of those high blue windless skies that he loved so much, just as he loved all of his family and friends who were blessed to be inspired by his profound wisdom and passion for life.
Special thank you to Bill Franques for allowing us to honor Mr. Franques through words and personal memories.
in memoriam mr. kenneth hix january 14, 1961 - september 20, 2020 On September 20, 2020, the Lafayette legal and business community lost a remarkable and special individual, Kenneth Hix. Kenny and his wonderful wife, Missy, may have left us that day, but they have left their indelible mark on this community that will be remembered and rejoiced for a long time.
organized as well. That organizational trait was not limited only to his business and legal life, but also extended to his personal and family life. Just ask anybody who visited Kenny and Missy at a UL tailgate, Mardi Gras, or other event. They always had plenty of chairs and food for everyone, all perfectly lined up and organized. They never met a person who was not welcome to their tailgate, party or home.
Kenny started practicing law in Lafayette in 1987 with Perret & Castle after graduating from LSU law school and invested himself and his efforts into the Lafayette community. He was always proud of his undergrad alma mater, Northwestern State University, and would talk about his “Purple Demon” days with a smile and a mischievous spark in his eyes. Perhaps more remarkable was the fact that both Kenny and Missy were honorary alumni of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. They supported all aspects of ULL.
In addition to his business and legal responsibilities, Kenny was also active in charitable organizations. He served on the Board of Directors at Our Lady of Lourdes and worked with Miles Perret Cancer Services. I understand that Kenny’s preparation for board meetings at Lourdes is legendary as he read and analyzed every document and was well prepared to discuss every issue brought up during the meeting and asked questions to make sure that everyone thought through the issue to make the right decision.
Kenny’s practice was primarily focused on corporate matters including business formation, mergers and acquisitions and commercial litigation. He had a keen business mind and attention to legal detail that was rare. These qualities clearly came from his parents, Dr. John and Jo Condray Hix.
Anyone who retained Kenny as their lawyer or were in business with him would tell you that he was very purposeful in his thoughts. Kenny would listen carefully and fully and you could see him digest the information like intellectual food before speaking. He would ask thought-provoking questions, but never interrupt you. In the end, he would always seem to come up with a means to solve the problem. He had a unique ability to soften the blow of advice that you knew was probably coming but did not want to hear.
I met Kenny in 1989 as a summer law clerk after the firm became Perret, Doise, Daigle, Longman, Russo and Zaunbrecher. I accepted a position with the firm the following year and worked alongside him for several years. Over the next 30 years, I was privileged to call Kenny and Missy my friends and see the traits that made him special as a lawyer, business partner, husband, father, son, brother, in-law, friend, citizen of the community and the list goes on. Kenny took building relationships to a different level, yet it was natural to him because that was simply his nature. He had a knack for making others feel special in any relationship, business or personal. If you were looking for somebody that was a smart, hard-working, detail oriented and focused problem solver, then Kenny was your person. He was also someone who had a fantastic sense of humor and was selfless and humble in all of his personal and business relationships. Despite his many accomplishments, Kenny never patted himself on the back or touted his successes. In fact, I can still see him roll his eyes when anyone would tell somebody about one of his accomplishments or charitable good deeds. Kenny practiced law almost exclusively for about 10 years before his transition from a lawyer to what he called a “recovering lawyer”. That is when he became more of a business person that practiced law. He embraced any challenge he faced and truly enjoyed analyzing and finding the business/legal solution. Shortly after leaving his private practice, he became the President and de facto General Counsel for Schilling Distributing and helped that company grow and assist with its expansion into a fantastic facility. Of course, during his time, Kenny mastered all of the legal nuances that are involved with such a business. Kenny later became involved in other business ventures including Louisiana Rice Mill which is now Supreme Rice Mill, Argus Security, several radio stations, Fairway Transport, and Integricert, an oil field service company. Many of these businesses ran concurrently; and, along the way, Kenny made sure that he was equipped with the legal knowledge and acumen necessary for each business which was in a completely different field and needed specialized knowledge. In his business and legal experiences, he was extremely organized. In this regard, he certainly led by example. Those that worked around him quickly realized that they needed to be
Of course, if you asked Kenny to help you solve any problem, you better be prepared for the task to be done right. He never cut corners or did anything halfway. Even if you thought your own project was complete, he would encourage (make is probably a better word) you to finish the job in a way that you always knew was right. He was definitely not a quitter. He could usually be found about 4 o’clock in the morning at Red’s getting in his morning workout and run, attending 6 o’clock mass at St. Pius, taking his plane for a quick flight all before putting in a full day at the office, and then attending a charity function or board meeting. The ongoing joke was that Kenny’s bedtime was at 8:30 PM, sometimes earlier. Good luck keeping up with him. Of all the accomplishments, Kenny was most proud of his family and marriage. Although Kenny was a very driven and committed individual, none of his successes would have been possible without the support of Missy. All you had to do was ask her! They were the perfect match. Missy’s infectious personality and laugh made everyone around her smile and their spirits rise. Missy was sassy and smart (graduated with a degree in computer science from Northwestern State University) and was one of the most gracious hosts you’ve ever met. While Kenny will leave a lasting legacy in the legal, business and charitable community of Lafayette, I know that Kenny and Missy are most proud of the legacy they left with their two sons, Austin and Connor. I can tell you that Austin and Connor are doing well and appreciate the support and love of this community. So, Kenny and Missy, on behalf of everyone whose life you impacted, we say Thank you, we love you and we miss you dearly!
Special thank you to C. Shannon Hardy for allowing us to honor Mr. Hix through words and personal memories.
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in memoriam mr. john w. hutchison
mr. vincent r. cicardo, sr.
october 16, 1940 - may 3, 2020
december 31, 1960 - january 14, 2021
Mr. John Walter Hutchison, 79, peacefully passed away at his residence in Lafayette on Sunday, May 3, 2020, with his family by his side.
Vincent Ross Cicardo, Sr., age 60, a native of Alexandria, Louisiana and a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away on January 14th, 2021 at the Heart Hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana.
John Walter Hutchison was born October 16, 1940 in Crowley, Louisiana. He served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He attended McNeese University, graduating in 1963 and then Tulane University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1966.
Ross, a graduate of Louisiana College, where he majored in pre-law, and a graduate of Southern University Law School, where he obtained his J.D. in 1984, practiced law for years in Alexandria with his father, Eugene P. Cicardo, Sr. and brother, Eugene P. Cicardo, Jr. Thereafter, he moved his practice to Lafayette where he actively dedicated his life to his family, friends, and the clients that he served.
Mr. Hutchison resided in Lafayette and was a partner at the law firm of Voorhies & Labbe, where he was a member and the first President of the Southwest Louisiana Bankruptcy Bar Association formed in 1988. He was a member of the Lafayette Parish, 15th Judicial District, the Louisiana State and American Bar Associations. Mr. Hutchison's professional career extended to the Lafayette business community as well. In the early 90s, he was involved in starting PPM Contractors, Inc. where he served as President from 1992 through 2000. Mr. Hutchison was a Member of the Krewe of Gabriel for many years and served as Duke and as Float Captain. Mr. Hutchison loved the outdoors. He was an avid duck hunter and fisherman. He was a member of Alligator Slough Hunting Club, where he served as president for many years. He also had a lifelong love of Labrador Retrievers. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Lawrence Hutchison; one son, Michael Bryan Hutchison and his wife, Valerie Hutchison; one daughter, Mary Hutchison Richard and her husband, Arthur Richard; three grandchildren, Bella Hutchison, Emily Richard and Caroline Hutchison; one brother James Michael Hutchison, Sr. and his wife Corky. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Bertrand Hutchison and Gloria Larcade Hutchison. The family would like to thank Judy Nero, Barbara Darby and everyone at St. Joseph's Hospice for their kindness and for the excellent care they provided to Mr. Hutchison in his final days.
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As a litigator with more than twenty-five years of service, Ross focused his practice in the area of personal injury and was committed to seeking justice for his clients and their families. He was admitted to practice in the state courts of Louisiana, the federal district courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Ross was no stranger to the courtroom, and his gregarious personality endeared him not only to his clients, but also to the lawyers and judges before whom he appeared. As a father, Ross took the greatest of pride in his two sons and enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with them and vacationing at the beach. Ross is preceded in death by his father, Eugene P. Cicardo, Sr., and grandparents, Tony E. Cicardo, Mamie Nasello Cicardo, Nunnie Rabalais Holland, and Paul Rabalais. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Cortland Ross Cicardo (Hannah) and Vincent Ross Cicardo, Jr.; mother, Aline Rabalais Cicardo; sister, Antoinette “Toni” Cicardo Gouaux (Bubba); brother, Eugene P. Cicardo, Jr. (Jenny) and numerous nieces and nephews.
in memoriam mr. robert b. vincent october 18, 1978 - october 08, 2020 A Mother’s Journey; A Son’s Courage Eulogies are never heard by the people that deserve to hear them– that is by the person themselves. When I told Robert I was writing his eulogy, his advice was: “to stay strong”, “to keep it short” and “make sure it’s not sad.” At eight years old, Robert announced that he would be Governor of Louisiana. A little amused at this grand statement, I questioned why he would want to be governor. He simply stated, “because I want to be able to help people. You can help people if you are in politics.” One of the greatest influences on my son was my father, Robert LaBauve. He passed on his commitment of hard work; his strong empathy toward people; and his love of the poor – no matter their color or creed to his grandson. Robert absorbed these values and made them his own. He found that his leadership capabilities were more than just talents. They were gifts from God that allowed him to achieve his greatest goals in life. Fortified with these noble qualities, Robert was determined to make a difference in people’s lives. From the age of 11 to 19, Robert cofounded a museum; wrote the history of Erath School; initiated a new track; and became the youngest elected official in the State of Louisiana as Mayor Pro Tem at the ripe old age of 19. He accomplished all these feats in only eight years and before the age of 20!! Robert did all of these things after being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at the age 10. Robert’s story is about a life filled with faith, hope, courage, determination and love of God. Our community knows the public Robert. The private Robert accepted that he was dying. This was his final chapter in what he called a “wonderful life.” He suffered neither dread nor anxiety. He left his personal affairs in order – even planning his entire funeral. Robert had an aggressive and rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. It paralyzed his feet, legs, hands, lungs and diaphragm. It affected his breathing, swallowing, talking, walking and energy level. Despite these physical losses, he never lost his spirit or quiet heroism. This disease continued marching through his body until it caused complete respiratory failure. In 2015, he was sent home in hospice care. He was given three months to live. He lived almost six years after that prognosis. Having faith in God’s plans for him, he ran and won for his third term in office as councilman. By then, Robert was on oxygen and a bi pap to help him breathe. As I watched him struggling in his power chair, going door to door in the extreme heat, I couldn’t help but be amazed at his strong will to carry on. The lack of breath, in the end, caused Robert one more loss – the ability to read his beloved books. I noticed his books on his table going un-read. The simply act of looking down would cut his breath so he stopped reading – one of his greatest passions in life. So in February 2018, I began reading books to him. This opened up
our world to conversations about people I really didn’t know. I was so fortunate, as a mother, to be able to put her 41 year old son in bed and to be able to read him bedtime stories again. I read to him from the rocker that I had rocked him as a baby. It was the same rocker that my mother rocked me when I was an infant. Muscular Dystrophy may have taken my son’s life, but it never defeated him. It didn’t take away his intellect, his steadfast integrity, his sense of justice, his indomitable spirit, and his strong faith in God. He left this world a better place. Robert passed each day, each moment with flying colors. Those of you, who knew Rob best, knew he had a sense of humor. One particular difficult day, he laughingly told me, “Mama, everyone has to pay their home equity while on earth.” Bewildered, I looked at him and said, “What are you talking about???” He was talking about suffering a little on earth so he would be worthy of getting into heaven – his home equity. He continued on, “mom, when you die, I’ll meet you at the exchange counter.” Exchange Counter??? “Yes mom! In heaven, it’s where you go to exchange your cross for a crown.” One of Robert’s lasting legacies is the Erath noon siren. The noon siren was lost to Erath after Hurricane Rita. One of the first things he did after he was elected for his second term as councilman, was to re-instate the siren. Robert had to fight to bring back this part of Erath history. When you hear the Erath siren, think of Robert and say a little prayer for him. At the time of his death, he served three terms on the Erath City Council. Two of his latest honors was being recognized by Southern University Law Center as 2020 Distinguished Alumni and receiving The John A. “T-Jean” Hernandez III Memorial Award from the Francophone Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Caring for a sick and dying son was a difficult journey - a road no parent wishes to travel. However, Douglas and I became stronger, more faith filled, compassionate people. Robert left things like he lived in life – in a very orderly fashion. He died peacefully at home with Doug and I. It was as if someone just turned off a light switch. He was right. He had a “wonderful life.” “Au Revoir, Robert.” Well done, my beautiful son. You were the best example of how we should live our lives with more kindness and love. You showed us not only how to live, but how to die with steadfast faith and courage. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the exchange counter. Special thank you to Jackie Vincent for allowing us to honor Mr. Vincent through words and personal memories.
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in memoriam col. bernard h. m claughlin, jr. september 19, 1951 - february 28, 2021 COL Bernard H. McLaughlin, Jr., 69, of Lake Charles, LA passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX after a brief but hard-fought battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Born in Darby, PA, on September 19, 1951, Bernie was raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida. He often spoke about growing up with the children of NASA’s scientist and astronauts. The McLaughlin family home was situated on the beach and his early ambition was to be a professional surfer, an idea he would laughingly say his parents did not encourage. Gifted in both academics and athletics, he was an AAU swimmer and won many awards and honors. It was this combination that brought him to Louisiana as a member of Louisiana State University’s swim team. While at LSU, Bernie was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He was an honors graduate, receiving a B.A. in history and political science. He received his J.D. from the Paul M. Hebert School of Law and was a member of the LSU Law Review. He worked offshore during the summers of his college and law school years as a means to pay his tuition and living expenses. He also managed the LSU Athletic Department’s academic tutoring program which provided him with an athletic scholarship to attend law school. Bernie moved to Lake Charles in 1976 to work with Oliver Stockwell, who would become his mentor. He was later named a partner at Stockwell, Sievert Law Firm. Mr. Stockwell introduced Bernie to duck hunting which would become one of his life-long passions. He rarely missed an opportunity to spend time hunting in the marshes of Cameron Parish. During duck season, it was not unusual to find Bernie shooting a limit in the blind at daybreak then appearing in court dressed in a suit and tie by 10 A.M. Bernie loved the practice of law and received Martindale-Hubbell’s AV rating, a peer-reviewed designation indicating the highest level of professionalism. He found his perfect niche when he moved to a practice as a full-time mediator and spent countless hours preparing for each mediation. Bernie took great pride in doing all he could to bring each case to a resolution. He held himself to the highest standard and gave his foremost effort on each of the nearly 4000 cases he mediated through the years. Since his passing, many friends and colleagues in the legal community have shared how Bernie impacted their lives. Said one, “Bernie was an excellent mediator but an even better person”. “He was such a warrior but was always a gentleman” and “Bernie loved three things, his country, the practice of law and most importantly, his family”. They remember his great story-telling, his professionalism and how he always spoke with such pride about his wife, his two sons and their accomplishments. He was a mentor, friend and rolemodel to many in the legal community.
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Throughout his lifetime, Bernie always believed that “a man’s highest honor is to do his duty for his country”. This would become his credo. He accepted a commission as a Judge Advocate in the Louisiana Army National Guard and his devotion to his country, state and fellow Guardsmen was unparalleled. He served during Operation Desert Storm and in 2004 was selected to be part of the special task force during Operation Iraqi Freedom that assisted in creating the Iraqi court system. For this work, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Over the course of his years in the Guard, he was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Served Medal, NATO Service Medal, among others. Additionally, Bernie was a graduate of the Judge Advocate General School, U. S. Army Combined Arms and Service Staff College and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and was awarded the Royal Thai Army parachute badge, Russian parachute badge, Israeli Defense Forces parachutist badge and the Royal Jordanian Army parachute badge. His service in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina garnered the attention of author Douglas Brinkley who included Bernie’s experiences in his best-selling book “The Great Deluge.” Those who served with him coined the term “Combat JAG” to describe Bernie because he so loved the excitement of the infantry. Bernie was a member of the Krewe of Contraband, Krewe of Barataria and was honored as a Duke by the Krewe of Mystique. He was an avid dog lover, owning many English Setters, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters and American Water Spaniels through the years. Bernie was P.O.S.T. certified and served as a volunteer member of the Welsh, LA Police Department. He loved his life in Southwest Louisiana and the special bond he had with so many friends. His other interests and accomplishments are too many to list. He often spoke about how he had lived his life to the fullest and reminded us that in the end, the only regrets are chances not taken. Bernie was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Bernard McLaughlin, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth Spiller McLaughlin, their sons, Connor Jordan and Stratton Foy McLaughlin, his mother, Charlotte Foy McLaughlin of Blairsville, GA, and siblings Patti Cummins (Joe) of West Palm Beach, FL, Cathy Champion (Ken) of Merritt Island, FL, Dr. Michael McLaughlin (Donna) of Cocoa Beach, FL, Charlotte McLaughlin of Blairsville, GA, and Alicia Loving (Jon) of Murphy, NC, many nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved English Setter, Taser. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5 from 3 -6 pm in Hardtner Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and on Saturday, March 6 from 11 am – 1 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with a celebration of life immediately following at 1 pm. Pallbearers are Jamie Bice, Bart Caraway, Thomas Gayle, Bernard Leger, Chad Mudd and Michael Terranova, and Mike Miller.
in memoriam mr. stephen j. steve oats " " january 4, 1958 - janujary 26, 2021 “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour,” says Ecclesiastes 2:24 (KJV), for this is “from the hand of God.” Stephen J. Oats, who passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2021, truly modeled these values. His was a life of service in ways that many of us may not know, but all of us have felt. A Lafayette native, Steve co-founded Oats & Hudson with William “Mart” Hudson in 1986 after graduating from Tulane University School of Law in 1983. Oats & Hudson became Oats & Marino after Mart Hudson passed away in 2010 and Larry Marino partnered with Steve. Steve served his city, state, and community by working closely with state and local governments and private clients for over thirty years, providing leadership that led to many beneficial projects throughout the state. “Steve felt a special calling to serve public interest clients and government agencies. Maintaining integrity in the service of the public good was vital to him, and he dedicated much of his professional life to that goal,” said Patrick McIntire, one of Steve’s longtime law partners at Oats & Marino. As outside general counsel for his alma mater, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Steve was involved in nearly every aspect of UL’s growth, both academically and athletically. As Assistant City-Parish Attorney for many years, Steve guided local leaders as they enacted plans and projects that improved our city and parish. As a Special Assistant Attorney General, Steve protected the State’s interest in all forms of litigation. He also worked closely with the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court, Assessor, and Sheriff, to name a few. Just as importantly, Steve represented many individuals and businesses too numerous to list, but all of whom he considered friends. Clients became friends, and friends became clients. An ability to guide the ship and build consensus were some of Steve’s greatest gifts in his practice. According to Larry Marino, “Steve’s tenacity and ability to remain cool under fire were remarkable, and something others have commented on over the past few weeks. I’m not sure whether they were innate qualities or something he developed over his long and varied career, but both made him a fierce contender in and outside of the courtroom, and a loyal advocate for his clients. And yet he was extremely fair, seeking first to find creative solutions that worked for everyone. His ability to ‘connect the dots,’ often by combining seemingly unrelated matters, was unparalleled.” Steve served the profession by mentoring many lawyers who worked with him over the years, beginning with teaching legal research and writing while in law school at Tulane. Throughout his career he invested many hours of his own time to impart his years of experience, his “client focus,” and his motto of “begin with the end in mind” on the lawyers that he employed. Many LBA members, including this author, are better professionals because of his influence and investment. But his mentorship was not limited to the practice, as Cearley Fontenot, who worked with Steve for the past eight years at Oats & Marino, reflected: “Steve was my mentor, not just in a professional sense; his direction helped me to grow spiritually, personally and professionally. I’m very grateful to have had the time with him that I did.” Steve served his hometown as an enthusiastic supporter of all things
that make this area special. Larry Marino noted that “Lafayette had no greater supporter than Steve Oats. He unabashedly championed its unique attributes, including its culture, its Downtown - and, of course, duck hunting. His love of the University of Louisiana and the depth of his knowledge of its history and workings are a story on its own. He was one of UL's best ambassadors, both as counsel and as a baseball fan.” But Steve may have been most at home on his farm enjoying a fine meal with family and friends before a morning hunt. Steve loved hunting ducks and geese, and he loved to host others on hunting trips. He also found ways to turn his passion for hunting into service, as he served as Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commissioner, and was a lifetime sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. Most of all, Steve was devoted to his family, his friends, and his faith. He adored his wife of 42 years, Sylvia. He dearly loved his mother, his two sisters, his Goddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. Steve was loyal and generous to those he counted as friends, and particularly those in need. As Larry Marino aptly observed, “Steve’s obituary referred to him as having ‘an expansive sphere.’ That description is so true. His interest in people led him to have a wide range of friends. He was particularly supportive and generous with those starting out, and those in need. I think of Mr. Rogers' quote about ‘looking for the helpers.’ That was Steve. You could always count on him. I miss his reliability, his great counsel, and his friendship.” As to faith, anyone who spent time with Steve can attest that his faith guided him in all aspects of his life. He was a longtime parishioner at St. John’s Cathedral in Lafayette, and he counted many priests among his friends. He is undoubtedly enjoying the fruit of that faith now. Congratulations, Steve, on a life well lived. You showed us all what it means to live fully, to enjoy what truly matters, to find satisfaction our work, and to serve others. You will be missed, but your vast legacy will live on. Special thank you to Daniel Phillips for allowing us to honor Mr. Oats through words and personal memories.
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in memoriam mr. s.w. tonny plauché, iii " " october 14, 1939 - july 24, 2020 Samuel Wilmore “Tonny” Plauché, III was born October 14, 1939 in Lake Charles, Louisiana and moved to Lafayette in 1971. He died here on July 24, 2020. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Mr. Plauché studied physics at the Louisiana State University before attending L.S.U. Law School and receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1963. He was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1963 and the Texas State Bar in 1967. He served in the Air Force from 1963 to 1966, achieving the rank of captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps before briefly returning to Lake Charles to work with his Uncle, Lane Andrew Plauché, at the family law firm, Plauché & Plauché, following the untimely death of his father, S.W. Plauché, Jr. It was in 1966 that Mr. Plauché began a distinguished career in oil and gas law when he moved his young family to Houston, Texas to join the legal department of Superior Oil Corporation and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1967. He then moved once more in 1971 to Lafayette to continue in private practice as an oil and gas attorney, becoming one of the founding members of the law firm Jumonville, Hartley, Plauché & Broadhurst. In 1978, Mr. Plauché formed, and became managing partner of Plauché, Hartley, Lapeyre & Ottinger, with offices in Lafayette and New Orleans. In 2005, after his long-time partner, S.K. Hartley, retired, Mr. Plauché was joined by his son, George C. Plauché, to form Plauché & Plauché where Mr. Plauché continued his oil and gas law practice in Lafayette until his retirement in 2012. Mr. Plauché is remembered by his colleagues, clients and industry professionals as a brilliant attorney who exercised his significant intellect to faithfully and diligently advocate the interests of those he represented. He received a coveted AV peer rating in Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating awarded to those with the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards. He was adept at oil and gas title work, generating title opinions, portions of which continue to be referenced and cited as standards in oil and gas law. However, it was his unitization work and practice before the Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation that he truly relished. It was during unitization hearings that his broad
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knowledge and scientific comprehension enabled him to quickly eviscerate opposing geological and engineering expert testimony on cross examination. He conducted himself in the highest ethical manner throughout his professional career, a standard he modeled and expected of those with whom he worked as well as his two sons, S.W. “Billy” Plauché, IV and George C. Plauché, who both followed their father as attorneys. His personal and professional life were characterized by a reluctance to speak ill of others or to hold a grudge. Mr. Plauché mentored a great many young, aspiring oil and gas attorneys, generously devoting numerous hours to counsel and coach others through the intricacies of practicing oil and gas law in Louisiana. Mr. Plauché was a devout Christian who cherished time spent studying the Bible with others, especially with his beloved wife of 39 years, Karen Lynn Leblanc Plauché. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but all rejoice that he will be reunited, at last, with Karen, over whom he has grieved since her passing in 2002. He deeply loved, and was proud of, his and Karen’s four children: Chalin Denise Plauché Jones, living in Baton Rouge; Samuel W. “Billy” Plauché, living in Seattle, Washington with his wife, Amanda Carr; Jacqueline Marie Plauché Cagley, living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband, Richard Cagley; and George C. Plauché, living in Lafayette with his wife, Pamela Saybe Plauché. Mr. Plauché is survived by his mother, Emma Lillian Winter Plauché, his sisters, Lane McClure Plauché Lake (Frank) of Gainesville, Georgia and Denise Winter Plauché Hamel (Justin) of Englewood, Colorado, his four children, and his fourteen grandchildren: Luke and Kelley Jones; Samuel, Rayne, Adeline, and Evangeline Plauché; Noah, Camille, Jonah, and Micah Cagley; and Alex, Simone, Jacques, and Jude Plauché. Special thank you to George Plauché for allowing us to honor Mr. Plauché through words and personal memories.
in memoriam mr. l. lane roy september 8, 1945 - october 17, 2020 The right mentor can send us down a path we never intended to take. I was blessed by having two such mentors: Third Circuit Judge E. L. Guidry and L. Lane Roy. Two textbook Virgos were they both. Methodical, predictable, reliable, intelligent and duty-bound. Two of the finest gentlemen and consummate professionals I ever knew. Sadly, we lost both Judge Guidry and Lane Roy, just weeks apart, in 2020. I met Lane in March, 1979, when he called me in to interview for a job. Judge Guidry, for whom I was clerking, told me one day that I reminded him of a lawyer in Lafayette and had given him my name. I’d never been to Lafayette, so I didn’t much care. I had actually heard of Lane when I was in Law School. He’d tried several landmark cases we studied in torts back then. His name stuck with me. His first name was just a letter. I didn’t quite get folks who used letters in place of first names (what are they hiding?). His name made it into the lawbooks, though, so to a young law student, that made him a rock star. Being a New York City native, and having the wanderlust, I didn’t plan to stay in Louisiana. I was just here to do research for my master’s thesis in art and teach at LSU. Went to Law School on a lark. But Judge Guidry wanted me to meet Lane Roy, and I trusted Judge Guidry, so I got a map to find Lafayette and did just that. Putting a face to the letter was no pleasant task. The interview went spectacularly awful. “There are no women doing corporate litigation, you know. “Are you allowed to go out of town if you have to?” “You would need to lose that accent.” “I’ve only been outside of Lafayette once to go to law school and I hated it.” On and on it went, torture. This guy reminded Judge Guidry of me?? Little did I know that I’d just met someone with whom I’d remain close for the next 41 years. Someone who would transition from boss to law partner to treasured friend – and who I would find myself sitting beside just hours before he passed from this life. Lane knew from the beginning that he wanted to be a lawyer, and he never wanted to be anything else. He was proud to be a part of what he genuinely believed to be a noble profession. He loved to talk on and on about the law - and just about anything else. But he also sought out and listened to the ideas of others with genuine interest. He respected the thoughts of others, and others respected his. There could be no greater testament to Lane’s power of persuasion than the fact that I accepted that job offer. It took me years to realize though that his was a talent that could be used for good as well as evil. When we formed our own firm in 1980, Lane found an office suite he wanted to lease. It was nice, but I thought out of our budget. He wanted it, and he wanted it to appear to be my decision. So he said he’d go look for everything available in our budget, and would
show them to me. Amazingly, in all of Lafayette, there were only two other options. Option number 1 shared space with a bail bond company displaying a sign out front promising to “Put Your Feets Back on the Streets”. He said I was a snob. I said run - someone might see us leaving this place. Option number 2 was about 700 square ft. The only bathroom (in the ‘lobby’) had a copy machine and a coffee pot in it. This was the multi-tasking area, he claimed. Years later he finally admitted how long it had taken him to find the two right specimens to drag me to. A good time he had with that scam. And thus we embarked on a pattern that would repeat itself over the course of decades. Lane Roy sharing his sage advice to improve my life. Persuading me to buy Minivans with boat hitches, a townhouse on General Mouton (because the area was on the brink of becoming Lafayette’s yuppie district), a used convertible with a top full of holes – his largess had no boundaries. On my maiden voyage to depositions in N.O. in the convertible that was allegedly ‘me’, it began to pour down rain outside - and inside. When I got on the phone to blast him—hair and suit soaking--he suggested through his howl of a laugh that I keep a “poncho” in the trunk. Lane was also a dog whisperer. It seemed perfectly normal when we went out to lunch one day and came back with a dog. Firm Dog Sam (FDS). We’d sneak FDS into the office. Lane was lookout. At night and on weekends, he was my dog. During the day, he belonged to Lane. Each morning, when Lane saw me and FDS coming, he would run and hide – behind sofas, under desks, in cabinets, closets – and start whimpering. FDS would frantically search for him, and when he found him, he and Lane rolled on the floor and wrestled. By the time staff arrived, Lane was back in his jacket, lecturing staff on the evil of leaving monitors on over night. As fate would have it, a few years before he died, and years after we split our business partnership, we had the opportunity to once again share office space. How grateful I am now for that time. There was a new Firm Dog, Barnaby (FDB), and Lane wasn’t able to run and hide anymore, but he was still that clown at heart, still had the sharpest legal mind I ever knew, and he still knew how to laugh like no one else. When I look back, I will always smile. But I sure will miss that laugh. Special thank you to M. Candice Hattan for allowing us to honor Mr. Roy through words and personal memories.
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in memoriam mr. william bill vidrine " " december 29, 1963 - july 21, 2020 Our friend and peer Bill Vidrine left us on July 21, 2020. He left behind his loving and devoted family, his wife of 28 years Marilyn Yosha Vidrine, daughter Sydney and daughter Addie. Bill also leaves behind his mother Beverly, his sister Denise and brotherin-law Robert Torian, his brother Ken Vidrine, along with many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his father Dennis Vidrine, with whom he practiced law until Dennis’ retirement shortly before his passing in 2013. All who were fortunate to know Bill understood from the start that his family and friends were his priority. Court conflicts were common for Bill due to his refusal to miss either of his daughter’s volleyball games, games that had him travel from coast to coast for years on end. He also traveled frequently for family trips with his wife and children, as well as annual trips with his parents, his siblings and their families. Bill also traveled with family and friends on frequent hunting and fishing adventures. Bill was the consummate family man and friend. Bill exuded those attributes that we all desire in those we love. Bill was generous to a fault, kind, loyal and fearless. Fearless in every endeavor in life. Following Bill’s graduation from the University of Louisiana, Bill obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, Michigan. Upon his return to Lafayette, Bill married the love of his life Marilyn Yosha Vidrine in 1991. Bill began his career clerking for the Honorable Paul Demahy in the Sixteenth Judicial District Court. Following his service in the Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Bill opened his own firm and worked as a solo practitioner until he and his father Dennis started their firm in 1995. Bill and Dennis focused their practice on business clients, personal injury, real estate, family law and ultimately work on behalf of clients in the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts across South and Central Louisiana. Bill had many, many clients who were loyal to him until his passing. During the most extreme part of the COVID lockdown, Bill’s funeral service was not surprisingly attended by hundreds of former and then current clients, local attorneys and friends. Proof of the congregation’s love and respect for Bill. For those of us fortunate to work with and against Bill, we learned quickly that he was always the consummate professional. Timely in his return of telephone calls, gracious in his dealings with other lawyers, firm yet reasonable in litigation or in his attempts to negotiate conflicts with litigants’ emotions running high. Bill developed a reputation within the bar and with the judges before whom he practiced of being calm and steady, not emotional nor high strung. The highest form of compliment a lawyer can receive upon his passing is from attorneys against whom he has litigated. These lawyers spoke and continue to speak favorably on Bill’s professionalism, his competence and steady resolve – his steady and calming advocacy. Those attributes exemplify Bill to those who
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knew him. 2020 ushered in many, many tragic consequences to our community here in Lafayette, including the tragic untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague. Our bar lost a fearless, fun, kind and professional litigant in Bill. We pray that his family, friends and peers find solace in our prayers on his and their behalf. Rest in peace dear friend. Special thank you to Lawrence "Moose" Billeaud for allowing us to honor Mr. Vidrine through words and personal memories.
mr. daniel f. seidel december 15, 1970 - june 25, 2020 Memorial Services were held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 11:30 AM in Our Savior's Church - Lafayette Campus (1201 E. Broussard Road Lafayette, LA 70508) for Daniel Fanned Seidel, 49, who passed away on Thursday morning, June 25, 2020 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Pastor Jacob Aranza conducted the funeral services. Survivors include his beloved wife of 8 years, Angelia Patin Seidel; his children, Collin James Hebert and wife, Elizabeth Paige Hebert, Ty Anthony Hebert and wife, Leigha Elisabeth Hebert, Deborah Rose Seidel, Joshua Fanned Seidel, Paxton Rees Chamberlain, Andi Claire Chamberlain, Melissa Lily Seidel and Alivia Jade Chamberlain; and his parents, Fanned Seidel, Jr. and Suzanne Sidney Seidel. He is also survived by one grandchild, Beckham Jon Hebert, son of Ty and Leigha Hebert. Daniel Fanned Seidel was a life-long resident of Lafayette, Louisiana. He had a Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, a Master's Degree in computer engineering, both from UL, and a Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School. He worked as a real estate attorney at Seidel Law Firm. Daniel was a member of Our Savior's Church in Lafayette. He was a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
THE LAFAYETTE BAR ASSOCIATION YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION HOSTS THE
Spring SOCIAL
THE WURST BIERGARTEN W E D N E S D A Y, A P R I L 1 4 5:30 - 7:30 PM A L L L A FAY E T T E B A R A S S O C I AT I O N MEMBERS WELCOME COVID protocols will be in place. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, please refrain from attending.
LAW OFFICE FURNITURE FOR SALE Law Office Furniture for Sale in Lafayette: including antique mahogany Desk by Doten Dunton Furniture Co. ($1,200.00), mahogany Credenza by Baker Furniture Co. ($1,500.00), Persian carpet 8’x12’ ($2,000), Custom Cypress bookcase $750, Traditional Lawyer’s Bookcase ($300), Sheraton repro desk ($200), two leather client/reception chairs ($150 each), desk chair ($25), (3) filing cabinets ($20 each). Call John 337 234-3571.
THE GRAPEVINE The Jarrett Firm, LLC has moved! Our new office is now located at 1304 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Congratulations to Benjamin Torian and Brooke Schnexnayder, who welcomed their baby girl, Stella, to the world on February 24th. maps is excited to announce the grand opening of our Mandeville office beginning March 22 for your convenience and the convenience of your clients! Our office will be located at 3 Sanctuary Blvd, Suite 102, Mandeville, LA 70471.
Richard T. Haik, Sr.
M E D I AT O R , SPECIAL MASTER United States District Judge WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
24+ YEARS
16th Judicial District Court STATE OF LOUISIANA
7 YEARS
Congratulations to Harold L. Domingue, Jr. for joining Onebane Law Firm as Of-Counsel attorney in the Commercial Section. Harold received his BA from ULL in 1981 and his JD from LSU in 1985. He has practiced law for over 30 years focusing on Bankruptcy, Business Formation, Collections, Wills and Successions.
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Email: R T H a i k S r @ m m r b l a w. c o m mmrbhlawoffice.com | 800.856.6776
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T HERESA DE B ÊCHE & A SSOCIATES Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Legal Nurse Consultant 1390 Players Club Court Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Phone: 850-934-0296 Cell: 337-781-0335 theresa.debeche@gmail.com
T HERESA DE B ÊCHE & A SSOCIATES Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Legal Nurse Consultant 1390 Players Club Court Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Phone: 850-934-0296 Cell: 337-781-0335 theresa.debeche@gmail.com
T HERESA DE B ÊCHE & A SSOCIATES Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Legal Nurse Consultant 1390 Players Club Court Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Phone: 850-934-0296 Cell: 337-781-0335 theresa.debeche@gmail.com
T HERESA DE B ÊCHE & A SSOCIATES Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Legal Nurse Consultant 1390 Players Club Court Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
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Phone: 850-934-0296 Cell: 337-781-0335 theresa.debeche@gmail.com
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