Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Vernon Broussard Obituary

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23. "The Cajun God Loves." A loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Vernon passed away peacefully on Friday, January 4, 2013, two weeks prior to his 95th birthday, at his home surrounded by his eight children. He was a resident of Baton Rouge and native of Lafayette. Vernon was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mirza Berthelot Broussard and his great-grandchild, Jack Mathews. He is survived by his eight children, Mima Mathews and husband, Ronnie Mathews, Catherine Broussard, Marie Landry, Geralyn Broussard, Gerard Broussard and wife, Tricia Broussard, Vernon Broussard, Jr. and wife, Julie Broussard, John Broussard and wife, Jill Broussard, and Amy Echols and husband, Jeff Echols; 22 grandchildren - Katie Underwood, Elizabeth Buchert, Eddie & Paul Mathews, Christopher, Joey, Casey, Shane, Mickey, Rebecca, Annie, Belle, Matthew, Rachel, Joshua, Noah, Jonah, Anya, Max, Gabriel and Ivy Broussard, and Trey Gagliano; 11 great-grandchildren, including Sarah and Andrew Underwood, Charlie, Mary Claire and Joseph Mathews, Jordan, Jacob, Ben, and Sam Buchert, Audrey and Dominic Broussard; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Vernon was the oldest alumni of Catholic High School and St. Joseph's Seminary and served in the Army in WWII as a medical corpsman and a chaplain's assistant. He touched thousands of lives by his work and volunteer efforts. As the Director of Blind Services for the Louisiana State Department of Social Services, Vernon started the Lighthouse for the Blind and strived to find jobs for the blind in multiple states. He was a member of St Vincent de Paul Society in both St. Joseph Cathedral and St. Agnes Parishes since he was a young man. Vernon continued to be involved in the charity work of St. Vincent de Paul Society at 94 years old. In 1982 he was a founding board member of the original St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room and oversaw the building of the Catholic Presbyterian Apartments. His work in the prison ministry led him to work at Hunt's Correctional and Woman's Prison in St. Gabriel, at Angola State Penitentiary, and at Jetson Correctional Center for Youth in Baker. He was a member of the Knights of St. Gregory, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and Holy Name Society at St. Agnes and was a lifetime member at the YMCA. For St. Joseph's Seminary, he organized and recruited leaders and participants for men's retreats. Vernon was very vocal and never met a stranger much less an enemy. He was a man dedicated to God's work in serving the underprivileged; a person known for giving more than he had. Vernon enjoyed communicating with friends all over the world, visiting with his grandchildren, and attending their many sporting events. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and Pat Tessier. Honorary pallbearer is Marvin Ourso. Special thanks to St. Joseph's Hospice, Annie Mae Banks, and Mary Ann Lee. Donations may be made in Vernon's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 or St. Joseph's Seminary, 75376 River Rd, Covington, LA 70435. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, on Monday, January 7th from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; there will be a recitation of the rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, January 8th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with the funeral Mass following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place following the Mass, approximately 2:00 p.m., at St. Joseph's Seminary, 75376 River Rd, Covington, LA 70435.

Published by The Advocate from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Broussard

Not sure what to say?





I was always so impressed by how much Mr. Broussard loved his wife, family, and God. Those were always his priorities, and he should be a model for us all.

Elizabeth Myers

March 7, 2013

I will miss you Uncle Vernon. I am glad I was able to make it to BR for the service to celebrate and honor your life.
I am sure Aunt Mirza held your hand and brought you to her home in heaven.
I know that in spite of your family's sorrow at losing you we are all happy that you two are together again.

Richard Berthelot

January 22, 2013

Please accept my condolences and my wishes for peace and happy memories to all of the Broussard family.

Corrie Lanier

January 20, 2013

Cathy,

I haven't seen you since high school, but I remember your family from those school days and remember your father as a very kind and generous man. In reading the obituary, I saw that Katie Underwood is his granddaughter. Katie is a member of Catholic Daughters at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs of which I am also a member. Such a small world. You and your family are in my prayers.

Judy Borne Davidson

January 13, 2013

Catherine, I am so sorry for your loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. He was a wonderful man, who had a great sense of humor, and a heart big enough for everyone.. May God grant you peace.

Wendy Jorgensen

January 12, 2013

John,

I am sorry for the loss of your father. You may not remember me, but we were schoolmates at St. Gerard and RJH and played on the football team together. I ended up leaving the school, but I recall that you always treated me and everyone you encountered with decency and respect. As I Read your father's obituary about his life and service to his fellow man, I can see why you always carried yourself the way you did. May God bless and comfort you and your family during your period of mourining.

Gilbert Cureau Jr

January 10, 2013

Sorry for the loss of this fine man and fellow Spanish Town resident.

billy fairley

January 8, 2013

Ms. Geralyn Broussard
May the ONE who makes no mistakes comfort you and your family during your hours of bereavement.

Shirley Comena, Zachary, LA

January 8, 2013

John, I am so, so sorry for you and your family's loss. I love the stories you told of your father and I thank you for sharing them with me. You always spoke so highly and proud of him. After reading his obituary, I can see why you are such a wonderful person yourself. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your father's dedication to others in need is second to none. His love for God, his family and friends and his community is the kind of love that you rarely find in a person. God Bless you and your family!!!
Marty Rabalais

January 7, 2013

Sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our prayers are with all of the family members.

Cindy & Tom Newsom

January 7, 2013

We are very sorry for your loss. Though I didn't know this fine man it seemed like he was amazing. I will pray for you (Dr. Broussard) and your family.

Jennifer & Dewayne Kelly

January 7, 2013

Cathy, Marie & Family,
Sorry to learn of your father's death. He was always a good man that did good things for his family,church and community.He will be greatly rewarded.
He as well as the family has my sympathy and prayers.

Gary & Alice Bourgoyne, Tullier

January 7, 2013

Our prayers to the Broussard Family. Mr Vernon was a gentle giant - a great friend to my cousin, Marvin, and a remarkable servant and role model for his family and others. May you all gain comfort knowing his legacy of good deeds made the Baton Rouge community a better place.

Darrell & Angele Ourso

January 6, 2013

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Vernon Broussard's name

Memorial Events
for Vernon Broussard

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

How to support Vernon's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Vernon Broussard's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more