Alton Roundtree, former Thibodaux mayor, dies

Tri-Parish Times

The Lafourche Parish residents gathered Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Co-Cathedral to say good-bye to former Thibodaux Mayor Alton J. “Checkerboard” Roundtree Sr.

Having just celebrated his 93rd birthday, Roundtree was a longtime resident of Schriever and Thibodaux. He grew up at Laurel Valley Plantation, and Roundtree’s family said he was a distinguished gentleman whose life will be cherished for years to come.

The Early Years

Roundtree was the eldest of four children. He had to quit school in the eighth grade to go to work to help support his family after his father fell ill. Almost 14 years old at the time, Checkerboard became a trapper in the swamps near Schriever and Chacahoula. He trapped alligators, minks, beaver and frogs.

Toward his late teen years, he worked in various sugar mills in South Louisiana as a welder. As a young man, he worked on the U.S.S. Delatore dredge boat for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. After working in sales and roughnecking offshore, Checkerboard joined the Navy during World War II and was later honorably discharged in 1945.

His career life

Checkerboard launched into a new career in the oil and gas industry, which lasted until his death. During the mid 1940s, he began his public service career when he was appointed constable for Lafourche Parish.

When Thibodaux became a city in 1948, Roundtree was appointed by then-governor Earl Long as the first marshal of the city. He later became the head of the State Revenue Office for the city.

At 71, he was elected councilman-at-large for the City of Thibodaux. At 77, he was elected the city’s mayor, and would go on to serve four terms. One of the highlights of his mayoral career was establishing the Living Christmas Tree, which was held annually at the Civic Center.

His love for sports

Roundtree earned the name “Checkerboard” because he wore checkerboard-patterned patches on his basketball shorts when he played in the eighth grade. His ode to sports led him to coach various sports throughout his life.

Roundtree was a pitcher in the Sugar Belt League during the ’20s and ’30s. After being injured, he moved to the fast-pitched league in late ’30s and early ’40s. In 1957, Roundtree moved his loved for sports in a different direction when he became the a Little League and American Legion baseball coach.

After Roundtree was elected into the Thibodaux Bowling Association Hall of Fame, he left behind a 60-year bowling career. Spending time camping on Lake Verrett, Roundtree was an avid fisherman, hunter and naturalist.

Other life accomplishments

The former mayor was a well known Cajun cook for many of the churches and civic organizations as well as a Mardi Gras enthusiast. He helped organize the Krewe of Cleophas and was a member of the Krewe of Chronos.

Throughout his life, Roundtree received many awards including Honorary Alumnus Award for his long time support of Nicholls State University and Honorary Fire Chief for the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the South Thibodaux Fire Department.

Roundtree is survived by his wife, Floyce Hawsey Roundtree, 10 children, one brother, 32 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Frank (Cecile Boudreaux) Roundtree, one daughter, two sisters and five great-grand children.