Roland "Coach" Boudreaux

Posted Friday, October 23, 2009

Roland “Coach” Boudreaux, 75, a native and resident of Golden Meadow, La., died Wednesday, Oct. 21.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty Hebert Boudreaux; one son, Dirk Boudreaux and wife Deandra Terrebonne; one daughter, Melanie B. Charpentier and husband Robert; and six grandchildren, Casey Boudreaux, Carly Boudreaux, Rustie Charpentier, Luke Charpentier, Colby Boudreaux and Jake Charpentier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Volney and Justillia St. Pierre Boudreaux; and one brother, Luke Jake Boudreaux.

The old coach finally hung up his whistle after battling congestive heart failure for the past 13 months. Except for a brief period in the U.S. Army, he lived his entire life in Golden Meadow. He was an outstanding athlete in both football and basketball, and played in the state all-star game in basketball after his senior season. He graduated from South Louisiana Institute, where he was a two year letterman in baseball. He began his teaching career in 1956 at Golden Meadow High School. In 1963, he was the head coach at the class “A” runner up baseball team. When South Lafourche High School opened in 1966, he joined the faculty at the new school. He taught Physical Education in addition to coaching football, basketball and baseball during his tenure. He was an assistant coach on the school’s two football state championship teams in 1971 and 1977. During this time, he and his family spent their summers at the University of Mississippi, where he received his Masters Degree in Education in 1969. He retired for the first time in 1980 and joined Bo-Truc in their operations area. In 1986, he re-entered the teaching profession as an Elementary Physical Education Instructor at the Grand Isle School. He taught there for 13 years and was twice recognized as teacher of the year. In total, he spent 38 years as a coach and educator. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. His later years were spent enjoying his grandchildren and following their sporting activities. Throughout his coaching career, he made many friends who remained his friends for life. He was Catholic and a parishioner of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Golden Meadow.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church with Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home in Cut Off, La., is in charge of the arrangements.