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February 26, 2020
Dudley “Butch” Anthony Gautreaux, Jr. passed away on Feb. 22, 2020 at the age of 72. Butch was a native and a long term resident of Morgan City before retiring in Thibodaux, Louisiana in 2017. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1966 and attended Nicholls State University.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn (Mire) Gautreaux: his sons and daughter-in-laws, Michael & Rhonda Gautreaux of Thibodaux, LA. and Lee &Stephanie Gautreaux of Lafayette, LA., 7 grandchildren: AlanaAndras (Justin), Andrew “Buck”, Andrew “Drew”, Adrien, Abigail, & Katelyn. (Butch’s 5 sisters: JoAnne Hebert (Russell), Penny Russo, Gail Fazzio (Tony), Cora Phillips (Keith), Mary Gautreaux and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Dudley A. Gautreaux, Sr. and Cora W. Gautreaux of Morgan City, LA.
Butch proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1968-1972 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer. In his early years, Butch was a small business owner for 30 years in Morgan City. He and his partner and friend, Kenny Zimmer, co-owned ZIMGO Company a retail, appliance, automotive, and furniture multi-location establishment. Butch was very active in local, professional, and civic organizations including St. Mary Arc; AARP; Morgan City Rotary, Past Treasurer and Paul Harris Fellow; Morgan City Civitan Club, Past Vice President; and Louisiana Retailers’ Association, Board Member.
Butch honorably served 16 years in the state legislature, representing House of Representatives District 51 and Senate District 21. He was a strong voice in Baton Rouge for the less fortunate, both in his constituency and statewide. He led the efforts for saving Louisiana’s wetlands, was an avid supporter of the local fishing industry, and was passionate about the fiscal management of the state, especially its retirement systems.
After Hurricane Katrina, Butch took on insurance companies so that those who lost their homes could be compensated fairly and could rebuild. Butch also cared very much for teachers and state employees, and he always demanded they be treated with respect. He was known and respected at the state capitol as a problem solver and a tireless worker for the citizens of the state he loved so dearly. A true statesman, Butch didn’t seek personal glory or even credit for his accomplishments. He merely knew no other pathway than the one that made him a pragmatic advocate for the least among us.
Visitation hours will be observed at Twin City Funeral Home, Morgan City, Louisiana on Wednesday, Feb. 26th. 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Morning visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 27th at 8:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m.at Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests the consideration of a donation to the Nicholls State University Foundation Scholarship fund in memory of Senator “Butch” Gautreaux. Nicholls Foundation PO Box 2074, Thibodaux, LA 70310, Memo Senator Butch Gautreaux or call at 985-448-4005 or donate online athttp://nichollsfoundation.org/and specify your donation to the “Butch Gautreaux Scholarship fund”.
The scholarship candidates will be awarded to low income, and disadvantaged students who reside in his former Representative 51 district and Senatorial district 21.
The family invites you to share your thoughts, memories and condolences at www.twincityfh.com
