Emmett J. Boudreaux, a loving husband and father, passed away unexpectedly on February 20th, 2017 in Baton Rouge. Born in Houma and raised in Gray, he was a graduate of H.L Bourgeois High School and University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Emmett is survived by Margaret Penniman Boudreaux, his adoring wife of twenty-eight years, and their beloved children Elliott Edward and Anne Wilhelmina. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Carole. A 1989 graduate of Southern University Law Center, he clerked for Judge Edward Engolio of the 18th Judicial District, who was a beloved mentor to him. He was a dedicated trial lawyer who practiced up and down the bayou and across the state. Emmett was a blessing to all, and humility and empathy were the hallmarks of his well-lived life. He never met a stranger, and he saw the goodness in every person from all walks of life. A great Louisiana sportsman, he loved spending time at his camp in Cocodrie and on the water in one of his many boats, all named Scrapiron. He also enjoyed getting the latest reports and finding out where the fish were stacked up. He was a great supporter of high school athletics, especially those at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. It gave him great joy to do what he could to help young athletes secure opportunities for their futures. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Government Street on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 and again from 10:00am - 12noon on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at St. James Episcopal Church with a Eucharist service at noon. He was a giant of a man, but even greater was his tenderness and compassion. The light that he brought to the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him will continue to shine forever.
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You are a friend I truly miss and think of often. Leine
Leine
Friend
February 15, 2023
Emmett was "one of a kind" - always willing to help, always with a smile on his face. The last time I saw him was in Cocodrie at Coco Marina - we enjoyed a drink, talked about "the law", fishing, and he invited me to his camp for another drink - I'm sure sorry I passed on that one. Love this "giant of a man!" Rest easy my friend.
Robert Marionneaux
Friend
October 26, 2020
Emmett is thought of by me every single day. Like so many, I miss him.
Rest in peace my friend.
Brian Marx
Friend
February 15, 2020
I think of you every day. When things happen I want to reach for the phone and tell you so we can laugh about it. I think of the times you helped me. I miss you so much. I never imagined my life without you in it. Heaven is a better place with you. I am sure you've taught everyone how to fish by now. I miss my friend.
Jan Adams
Friend
February 17, 2019
Roger and Val Jupe send their deepest sympathy, to Margaret and the family
March 14, 2017
Emmett was a such a loving and kind-hearted individual. His memory will forever be in our hearts. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Margaret and the family.
Alicia Joseph
March 11, 2017
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Margaret & kids. Emmett had a sweet spirit of joy which will always be remembered.
Laurie & Joseph Wallace
February 27, 2017
Oh Margaret, I'm so sorry. I send my love to you and Elliott and Anne.
Liz McGeachy
February 26, 2017
So very sorry to hear this. May God be with his family at this time. Seeing this brought back memories of our youth and the days of horseback riding.
Cheryl Douglas/Bernard
February 25, 2017
To the Boudreaux family my heart is with you. Praying God's continuous strength upon you all. Truly Mr. Emmett will be deeply missed.
Beverly Holmes
February 25, 2017
Margaret, our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Martin and Mary Leah Walke
February 24, 2017
Rest In Peace to my cousin with fond memories of laughing and having fun at Evergreen Jr. High in Gray.
Mella Picou Rodriguez
February 24, 2017
Our Condolences to his family Emmett was a very
good man and friend he was admired by many and he will surely be missed by all that knew him..
R.I.P. Emmett
And never to be forgotten
DebiDoo & Chuck James
DebiDoo & Charles James
February 24, 2017
Too soon too soon my old friend
A man of vision even when in high school, Emmett was a leader who's personality, intellect and charmisa impacted all those knew him.
My prayers are with you.
Will Grubbs
February 24, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our family is praying for the Boudreaux Family. Emmett was a great man. I remember him coming to Houma and meeting up at my Mom and dads house for some seafood!!!!! He was just so friendly. A great soul and he'll be missed. Praying for peace and strength to get through this time. God bless your family
Melissa Verdin Bellanger
February 24, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time. Emmet was my attorney. He will be missed. R.I.P
Crystal Gardner
February 23, 2017
Rest In Peace my sweet friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. We love you!
Doug and Mindy Talbot
February 23, 2017
GREATMAN , GOODFRIEND TO EVERYONE , GOD BLESS EMMETT , WILL BE MISSED , LOVE YOU BROTHER !
Jules Ledet
Friend
February 24, 2017
Emmett was a good, fun, and kind man I knew many years ago through Margaret. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He is gone far too soon. My condolences to Margaret and their children. RIP, Emmett. Penny Nowell (formerly Gremillion)
February 23, 2017
He was indeed an awesome friend and legal advisor . He will be truly missed.
Towanda Jones
Friend
February 23, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Emmett. I have never had a chance to meet him but from all that I have heard he was a fantastic individual who will be greatly missed everyone who knew him. Our prayers are with you Mrs. Boudreaux. May god give you the strength to go through this tough time.
Amisha Patel
February 23, 2017
We worked together at the 19th JDC. So sorry to hear of Emmett's passing. He truly was a wonderful person. Heaven got an angel. Prayers to his family.
Terri Verret Giauque
February 23, 2017
My strategist and a great legal advisor was how we first would meet. But it was his spirit that he brought light into my life. I will miss him greatly. The time him and I spent in DC will always be in my mind. So sorry for his family who as i, knew his compassion. He was simply one I could call a friend. RIP
Mark Anderson
February 23, 2017
Emmett was the best and honest Lawyer in town it didn't made a different who you were the family have our sympathy remember he is with jesus the bible say he my father house are many mension one of those mension is for Emmett RIP
February 23, 2017
I can not begin to express my sadness and disbelief at this moment. My comfort is in knowing God has A Great Angel. Emmett we became family at Episcopal High School when a little skinny boy named Tylor Harris wanted to attend school there and play sports. I watched you mentor him and countless others to become productive, well rounded, respectable, well accomplished young men. Your family quickly became my family. I love you all and pray for your strength during this time. Love and Prayers always. Ramona Harris and Family
Ramona Harris
February 23, 2017
I was so shocked to hear about Emmett's loss; used to go to Big Ray's for cookouts when we were kids...Emmett was in town recently and visited my ill Dad...so sorry for your loss...what a great guy/friend he was.
Ed Daigle
February 23, 2017
What a good guy, rest in peace old friend you were a joy to know..
STEVE DOMINIQUE
February 23, 2017
So sorry to here about Emmett.Wish I could of been at his services.He will sadly be missed down the bayou.If ya'll need anything call me..Praying for ya'll
Eric Carrere
February 23, 2017
Words cannot define this loss and Heaven's gain. Rest In Peace, dear Emmett. MARGARET, Elliott and Anne, we are there in spirit for you. Hugs and prayers.
Love, Anne and Dave
Anne Jacobs
February 23, 2017
What a tremendous loss. Emmett was such a wonderful person, and I know how much he loved his beautiful Margaret and their children.
Lisa Noland
February 23, 2017
Words cannot express how sorry I am over the loss of Big E. He was just such a "big human teddy bear", always smiling, always only a phone call away if you needed anything. I know Emmett loved life, & I especially know how much he loved Margaret, Little E, & Anne. Big E was one of a kind, & I will miss him so much. Please know that you have my deepest empathy, & that my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Much Love,
Jennifer, Elizabeth & Sarah Ashley
Jennifer Culotta
February 23, 2017
Margaret, so sorry for your loss. The Boudreaux family will be in our prayers. Ben, Molly, Emily Rachel, and Savannah Phillips
Molly Phillips
February 23, 2017
Emmett epitomized the true meaning
Of friendship. He was always humble
Self-effacing and never took himself too seriously. He had a way of making you
Feel as though you were the best part of the conversation,and the privilege was all his. Emmett thank you for all the kind words and deeds. I am a better man
For having known you...go with God
And may peace and comfort and the grace of God bring your family and friends
Consolation...you were beloved, you were the best! Love you my brother. Jerry Denton and family.
Jerry Denton
February 22, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this... Prayers to all of you ...
Andrew and Ann Stolzle
Davina and Billy Jacobs
Davina Jacobs
February 22, 2017
The Best Lawyer I knew
Lawarren Gales
February 22, 2017
Mr. Emmett, this really has been a shock to hear you are no longer with us. You were the sweetest attorney I have ever meet. You will truly be missed.
Kaneshia Thomas
February 22, 2017
You will be very Missed
Lawarren Gales
February 22, 2017
Mary Thomas
February 22, 2017
Sherri McKay
February 22, 2017
Margaret, we were so sad to hear about Emmett's passing. He always had a smile on his face and made you feel so welcomed! We will keep you, Anne and Elliot in our prayers. Sherri, Matt, Taylor and Hays McKay
February 22, 2017
I was deeply saddened to hear of my friend's passing. Many prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. A great person w/a huge heart and also a great family man. God bless Emmett and the family.
Robby Huey
February 22, 2017
Dear Margaret, Elliot and Anne,
We have met probably only once but I felt the need to reach out to you. I am Mark Culotta's sister and Elizabeth Culotta's aunt. I would see Emmett occasionally with Mark and he was always so kind and sincere. I am so sorry you have lost him and I know you will miss him greatly.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
God Bless You.
Kelli Culotta Churchill
Kelli Culotta Churchill
February 22, 2017
My deepest sympathies.
Roberta Barrow
February 22, 2017
Margaret - we are so sorry for the loss of Emmett - one of our favorite people of the family of EHS.
sam Herpin
February 22, 2017
This was a man filled with love, life and law. He never saw color. He was always open, honest, steadfast and just an all around great person. I remember when Elliot was born and then Anne. I tried to get him to name Anne Emma. He asked why and I said she was best of both he and Margaret. Em (Emmitt) Ma (for Margaret). You will always be missed. No one could make the laugh the way you did. Margaret, Elliott and Anne I am so sorry for your loss. He's gone too soon.
Janice Ghe
February 22, 2017
I met Emmett years ago through my uncle. He always had a smile, and always made me feel like he was so happy to see me every time we ran into each other. We had lunch in March every year. I will miss you man.I think he did that to everyone he met.
He will be missed.
Donald Lewis
February 22, 2017
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, during and after these difficult times.
(Psalm 46:)
February 22, 2017
Dear Margaret,
My heart is filled with loving and healing thoughts for you, Elliott, and precious Anne. I feel blessed to have known Emmett. He was a wonderful man -with a shining soul. May God bless you all and carry you through this time of sorrow. I hope to see you the next time I'm in Louisiana. My continued prayers for you and your family.
Colleen Rohrberger Scully
Colleen Scully
February 22, 2017
This candle shines for all the light you brought to all the lives you touched. Tell Porter and Clara Norman we miss them.
The Norman Family
February 22, 2017
How blessed so many of us are to have known such a fine man as Emmitt. May GOD bless and care for the family at this sad times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
GRAY MANN
February 22, 2017
What a pleasure it was working in the same office as you for the past 2 years! Your great smile and positive vibes always brightened up the days here in the office! God has truly picked a beautiful flower to add to his garden! Prayers for your family and friends !
Katrina Dabney
February 22, 2017
Dear, dear Margaret,
What a loss for you, your family and lots of other folks that loved your husband. Although we only met him a few times, he made us feel like long term friends. We have you in our heads and hearts.
Love Jack & Margaret Matens Sewanee Tennessee
February 22, 2017
Emmett was an easy friend to all whom he met. He was a "brother" to my husband Walter and such a sweet a friend to me. Godspeed Emmett.. enjoy the Pearly Gates..
Bonnie Camos
February 22, 2017
Dear Margaret,
You and your family are in my thoughts. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Love from Kathy
Kathy Brodnax
February 22, 2017
Dear family,
My thoughts and prayers reach out to you in this hour of your grief. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand during this most difficult time.
Angie Edwards
February 22, 2017
Dearest Margaret, my heart is heavy for you and your beautiful children. My heart is also full for having the opportunity to know Emmett. You and your family have always been such a bright and lovely light. You, Elliott and Anne remain close to my heart and in my prayers.
Much love, Renée Borie Blanche
Renee Borie Blanche
February 22, 2017
Mr. Emmett I'm still in shock and dazed. I'm finding it so hard that you are gone. The girls at Louisiana Medical Clinic will deeply miss you. You were one of the sweetest attorneys and people we knew. I personally will miss talking to you everyday on the phone and hearing your funny comments and stories. Our hearts go out to your family and staff. You may be gone but will never be forgotten.
LMC STAFF
February 22, 2017
One of the blessings in my life is having known Emmett Boudreaux, shared life's stories with him and laughed like my belly would bust as I listened to stories that only Emmett could tell in his own inimitable way. As so many others have noted, Big E's true gift was the bigness of his heart, his words, his bigger than life personality. I, too, was shocked to learn of Emmett's passing--I last spoke to him a few weeks ago. He called me to see how I was doing--typically Emmett: concerned about others before himself.
While I don't know his wife and children, I can only imagine the grief and pain that is overwhelming them today. Of the many times I talked to Emmett, they were always the first and last ones he talked about EVERY time, and they were the most important part of the conversation, and of his life. They have lost a husband and father who was simply one of a kind, who loved them deeply and who certainly lived a full life during his relatively short time on this earth.
Bless you, Emmett. You were a shining bright light in a profession that has a way of bringing out the worst in some of its members. But not you. You brought to the legal profession the qualities of your outgoing personality, your humor, your keen and intelligent insights--always with professionalism and class.
I miss you, my brother. Your passing deprives all of us of a confidant, friend and the type of lawyer all of us aspire to be--just like you.
I love you, Emmett Boudreaux. Heaven has been collectively laughing at your words and your unique personality since you arrived there on Feb. 20. On earth, however, I can certify that your passing has knocked to their knees your large and expansive base of friends here in the Houma/Gray area and all the lawyers here who know and respect you. Text after text in the last two days have been about YOU.
You will be missed forever.
Jerry Hermann
February 22, 2017
I met Emmett years ago through mutual friends. He always had a smile, and always made me feel like he was so happy to see me every time we ran into each other . I think he did that to everyone he met.
He will be missed.
Kerry Manuel
February 22, 2017
Emmett always had time to talk whether it was passing in Calandros, on the street, for a legal question or for fishing reports. I will certainly miss his fishing reports. Elliott, Margaret and Anne: We are so sorry for your loss. I ran across a great photo he sent me back in June. I'm posting it here.
Michael and Allison
Michael Montalbano
February 22, 2017
I am so brokenhearted having known Emmett since he was a little boy. Being friends with his brother, Bobby, we would be at the Boudreaux's with Emmett running around. Fast forward 30 years and I have been insuring his Cocodrie camp that he loved so much. We would take care of camp business then he wanted the "bayou scoop". Such a sweetheart who I know will be missed by many including me. Will miss you and our conversations my friend.
Mary Adoue
February 22, 2017
Margaret- we used to go to St James together when our children were small before my children and I moved away. I am so sorry for your loss and please know that many of us are praying for you and your children. May God hold in you in the palm of his hand in the days ahead. I wish you peace and comfort. Courtney Walker (formerly Courtney Wolffe)
courtney walker
February 22, 2017
Emmett,
I hope you knew how many lives you touched when you were with us. It's been so many years. Your passing has made me very sad, but the memories will always make me smile. I am glad you had a wonderful family to share your loving heart. Because you were so accepting of others, I'm convinced you will be welcomed by Him with open arms.
Ruth Broussard
February 22, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family....I knew Emmett, as he was a client. He sent his personal injury clients to our health clinic, and he always made me feel welcome at his office when I would drop by for a visit. He was a great man and a blessed soul !! I will miss him.
Rick Holland
February 22, 2017
Emmett and I grew up just down the road from each other, what a great person. Rest easy my friend!
Mark Mabile
February 22, 2017
How sorry we are to lose this very special man who always had a smile on his face and a good word to say. It is much too soon.
Love to you Margaret and your children.
Mark and Martha
February 22, 2017
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76.
AC
February 22, 2017
A shock. Big E was the most joyful and kind giant of a man whose heart was immense. I will miss our time telling fishing stories - some true, most exaggerated. We often talked about how blessed we were to have our families and the ability to watch our kids grow up together. He was a man. He will be missed. Angele's and my prayers will have Emmitt in them.
Tim Kelley
February 22, 2017
.. BIG E YOU WHER LIKE A BIG BROTHER TO ME..
ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND SAYING HANG IN THERE !!! RIP BROTHER. TILL WE MEET AGAIN. GBNF!!!! My condolences to the family as we'll
Jody Maturin
February 22, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.
February 22, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Emmett's family. I went to school with him and although it has been many years since I've seen him, I remember him as always having a smile on his face. May he rest in peace. God bless.
Amie Morgan
February 22, 2017
My heart is sad as is so many others, buy I can't help but smile at the childhood memories. I feel blessed to have grown up with you, and remembering the fun and funny stories is a treasure. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts for peace and strength in each day.
Serena Melancon Nelson
February 21, 2017
I remember those fun summers we had in Houma and Gray with you,Charlie,the professor,my brother Stephen,and the rest of the Boudreaux clan.You will be missed but not forgotten.Till we meet again cousin R.I.P.
Myles Cunningham
February 21, 2017
My heart is sad, yet it smiles with memories of past. It was fun to grow up with you, memories of childhood will be cherished. Make 'em laugh in Heaven and do some fishing! God's Blessings.
Serena Melancon Nelson
February 21, 2017
Emmett, this one hurts is going to leave one heck of a mark. Thank you for the wonderful friendship and all the many, many laughs we have shared over the years. The night (one of many) "scrap" broke down in the bayou and we had to spend the night, hot, muggy and mosquitos so thick. You introduced me to your "South La bug repellant", Avon-Skin So Soft. That was 30 years ago and If I never smell that stuff again it'll be too soon. I will cherish our experiences and will think of you and your family often. I loved you like a brother (the good one). My deepest sympathy and condolences to Margaret and family
Bill and Carrie Alexander
February 21, 2017
Big E was one of a kind. He was such a great man & will be missed by so many. He gave us some good laughs for sure. Chuck and I will be praying for you, Anne & Elliot. May you hold all the special memories close to your heart. We love you & will never forget Big E.
Alison Musgrove
February 21, 2017
Emmett was one of my very few heroes in this world. And he was also a hero who was a wonderful man. Whenever I would tell him this... he always joked back with: "Brother, B, you really should set your sites a bit higher! But I had always known that I had my sites set exactly right when it came to Emmett. So many beautiful characteristics made me love this man: at the core was just how genuine he was. Like so many he touched, he made my time with him feel so valued. I remember being stuck in heavy traffic still in Baton Rouge on the way fishing, while ordering Po-boys over the phone, calling in bets, and buying rigs to pick up en route... even standing still with Emmett felt like a 100 mph, and these simple times remain an incredibly rich memory for me. He spoke sincerely, as an understatement, and with a chuckle of humor and true principles. Emmett accepted so many in part because he tried understand others pain and life challenges, while giving unconditionally. I, for one, will never forget Emmett. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Brian Marx
Brian Marx
February 21, 2017
See you in Heaven where we'll all make the big laugh when the time comes Cousin.
Karen Kay Ryland Newton, Knoxville, TN
February 21, 2017
May the peace and grace of Christ comfort you all during this difficult time.
Greg and Angie Edwards
February 21, 2017
We certainly lost one of the good guys prematurely. You will be missed by many Big E.
Tim Pujol
February 21, 2017
Margaret he was so supportive of those kids at Episcopal. He was so much fun to talk to and he always thought there was a chance for the Knights to be victorious no matter the odds. Sometimes there are not enough reasons to understand and we must lean on our faith. The faith that guarantees us all the promises contained in Christ's resurrection. Please call on us for anything at all.
Mark Lawson
February 21, 2017
Gerhard Whitworth
February 21, 2017
So sorry to the news of Emmetts passing, Gone but not forgotten, Great guy.
Michael (mickey) Ward
February 21, 2017
This news has thrown me. We went to school together. Just a wonderful person we will miss him. Praying for peace and understanding for the family.
Cindy Clawson Alexander's
February 21, 2017
A dear friend. Emmett was a giant of a man. Always inviting me to Cocodrie to his camp for a fishing trip. Met him there last season - had a drink and caught up on ole times. He will be missed by many!
Rob Marionneaux
February 21, 2017
My heart is shot
Jimmy Domengeaux
February 21, 2017
While Charlie & I are far away now, Margaret, we are holding you,Annie& Elliot close to our hearts in our thoughts & prayers.
With sincerest condolences, Lise & Charlie
Lise Kaufman
February 21, 2017
As I write this message, my heart is heavy. He was a very close childhood friend as well as a schoolmate. He had the most awesome personality. Always jovial, always positive. He will be missed.
Kim Melancon Marlin and Kevin Marlin
February 21, 2017
Thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Emmett will always remain in our hearts!
Anne and Kevin Gossen
February 21, 2017
Our hearts and prayers are with Emmetts family. Our class lost another good one. We have only fond memories of him. He will be sorely missed and greatly remembered.
Class of 1974
Jules and Suzanne Tillery LeBlanc
February 21, 2017
RIP
February 21, 2017
With deepest sympathy and sadness to read this news. Such a beautiful person, inside and out. I am so sorry.
Jackie Vicknair
February 21, 2017
Hey there my good friend with a heart of gold, you will be missed greatly I will keep memories shared closely to my heart as always and see you in heaven when my time comes! Say hello to my daddy! We here on earth are sorry to see you go so soon- you will be missed
Beth Butcher Dupree swilley
February 21, 2017
So sorry to hear about Emmett. Many thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Belinda Butcher-Kerr
February 21, 2017
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
February 21, 2017
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