Ernest John "Sonny" Lamotte

"And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand." A devout Christian, beloved brother, devoted son, father and grandfather and a loyal friend in deed as well as word to all who knew him, Ernest John LaMotte quietly slipped the surly bonds of Earth on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. A native and resident of Baton Rouge, he was born on April 12, 1923, the first of four children born to the union of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leo Paul LaMotte. He graduated from McKinley High School where he was very athletic. In addition, he played basketball for the St. Francis Xavier CYO as well as other sports in the city-parish. Ernest was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after high school graduation. He valiantly served his country in Northern France, Southern France and England during World War II and was in the first wave of soldiers to land in Normandy during the Allied invasion of France. Among his awards were the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Eastern Ribbon and two Service Stars. Upon his return to the states, he pursued his college education, graduating from Southern University with a B.S. degree. After graduation, he opened and operated LaMotte's Seafood House in Baton Rouge. After several years in business, he embarked on a career as a U.S. postal clerk/carrier. He retired from the U.S. Post Office in 1985 after many years of service. He later worked part time as an income tax preparer. Ernest was a kind and honest man with a benevolent spirit and an engaging wit. He thrived on helping others and recounting fond memories of his boyhood in "old Baton Rouge." He leaves to celebrate the legacy of his life two devoted sisters, Rhea J. LaMotte and Colleen J. LaMotte; a faithful brother, Huber B. LaMotte and his wife Constance; four grandchildren, June, Toree', Tyree' and Jalen LaMotte; a niece, Toni R. Awill; eight nephews, Mark (his favorite), Kyle, Eric and Patrick Roquemore and Keith, Kerwin, Jeffrey and Jason LaMotte; and numerous other special relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Joy Maria LaMotte. Visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. at Deselle's Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Willie Bryant. Interment will follow in Port Hudson National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Alan, Matthew and Bryant Awill, Jason LaMotte and Kyle and Eric Roquemore. Honorary pallbearers are Leighton Bryant, Lyndon Darensbourg, Joseph Delpit, Theodore Devall Jr., Alvin Guerin, , Elliot LaMotte Sr., Huber LaMotte, William Purnell, M.D., Mark Roquemore, Patrick Roquemore and John Williams Sr.