Luis Alberto Meza M. D., FACP

1943 - 2023

Dr. Meza was born in the city of Ypacarai, Paraguay, on January 30, 1943. He graduated as a Medical Doctor from the Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay in December 1966, and he started his internship at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa in January 1970. He then began his residency in Internal Medicine at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, Louisiana at Charity Hospital. Lastly, he completed his Fellowship in Oncology and Hematology at Ochsner Clinic and Foundation Hospital while in New Orleans, Louisiana. He accepted a staff position at University Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana in Internal Medicine where he later went on to begin his private practice in Hematology/Oncology. In March 1979, Dr. Meza was noted as the first Oncologist to establish private practice in Hematology/Oncology in the Southwest Louisiana region. He was Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Meza was instrumental in establishing the Oncology Service at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on St Landry Road, 5 Central, where he served as Director of the Oncology Service for many years. He later served as Chief of Staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in l987. He received many Awards and Honors, among them being a Fellow in the American College of Physicians and Fellow in the International Society of Hematology. Dr. Meza was selected for Best Doctors in America, and he was honored by the American Cancer Society twice with the Spirit of Hope Award, and he also received the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was very interested in teaching, having worked as Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Oncology at Louisiana State University/University Medical Center in Lafayette for over 30 years. He developed a special interest in mentoring fellow Latino Doctors who were struggling with different phases of their careers, and his door was always open to them with advice and encouragement. While living in Louisiana and teaching with Louisiana State University Medical School, Dr. Meza established his love for LSU and the fighting tigers. He was a loyal Tiger Athletic Foundation member, and he was an LSU football season ticket holder for more than 25 years. Nothing made him more proud than supporting the tigers, and he was absolutely beaming while walking out onto the football field in tiger stadium as he was honored for his contributions to the Tiger Athletic Foundation. Dr. Meza was a member of several professional organizations such as: Louisiana State Medical Society, Lafayette Parish Medical Society, Southern Association for Oncology, American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, International Society of Hematology, Southern Medical Association, and Louisiana Oncology Society. He was also interested in clinical research, and he published articles in the British Journal of Cancer, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Leukemia and Lymphoma Journal, and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. After retiring from practicing Oncology and Hematology and doing research, Dr. Meza's ever-present love for medicine led him to serve as the Director of Hyperbaric Medicine at the Regional Medical Center of Acadiana until his retirement from practicing medicine in 2016. He spent his days following retirement traveling and spending time with his children and their families. He was married to his beloved wife, Dr. Teresa Ibarra, for 57 years. They met in medical school while living in Asuncion, Paraguay, where they began their family. Then, in pursuit of higher education and professional opportunities, Luis and Teresa later moved their family to the United States. Drs. Luis and Teresa Meza have four children, Luis Jr. and his wife Bridget, Monica and her husband, David Hernandez, Leticia and her husband, Keith Canizaro, and Lisa and her husband, Gregory Harrell. They have nine grandchildren altogether, Luis and his wife Rachael Hernandez, Elise Hernandez, Olivia Hernandez, Isabella Harrell, Elizabeth Harrell, Ava Grace Harrell, Katherine Harrell, Nathaniel Canizaro, and Idalina Meza. They also have two great grandchildren, Landon Hernandez and Mila Hernandez. Dr. Meza was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He enjoyed every school performance, artistic project, academic achievement, athletic accomplishment, and professional accolades of each of his children and grandchildren. He also loved meeting his two beloved great-grandchildren before his passing. He was so proud of his children's passion for healthcare and research, as his son, Luis Meza, Jr., and his daughter, Leticia Canizaro, both work in the field of clinical research, and his daughter, Lisa Harrell, works in the field of pediatric occupational therapy. His daughter Monica was a naturally kind and gentle caregiver to her father, and Dr. Meza was so proud to learn his granddaughter, Elise Hernandez, will be following in his footsteps as she is currently attending Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. An avid golfer, he was a member of Oakbourne Country Club in Lafayette, and he traveled enjoying the game of golf in several countries with Scotland being a favorite. While living in Lafayette, he enjoyed participating in the traditions of Mardi Gras, and he participated in multiple krewes. In the Krewe of Triton, he served as Duke, in the Krewe of Troubadours, he served as Duke, in the Krewe of Gabriel, he served as Duke, and in the Krewe of Victoria, he served as Valet to the Prince, a Duke, and Prince Albert VII in 2000. Dr. Meza was a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus, 7572, Holy Cross Church, and a Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. He was a dedicated physician to the Carmelites in Lafayette. Dr. Meza provided a medical testimony as a witness to the healing miracles of Charlene Richard, who is currently being considered for sainthood. As a medical doctor, he based his knowledge on evidence-based practice and traditional medicine; however, he could not deny the power of prayer and faith and their contribution to healing. Up until this past summer, Dr. Meza received correspondence regarding his testimony and witness of the miracles of Charlene. Pallbearers will be David Hernandez, Luis Hernandez, Gregory Harrell, Keith Canizaro, Nathaniel Canizaro, and Michael Crochet. Honorary pallbearers will be all former patients of Southwest Oncology. The family wishes to thank the caregivers Pamela Espree, Angela Francois, Peaches Hugues, and Katie Booth. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Paul Guilbault and the caring staff with Compassus Hospice Care for their support. The family would also like to express sincere gratitude for a lifetime of friendship and care to Dr. Maximo Lamarche. The funeral services for Luis Alberto Meza, M. D., FACP will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers on Bertrand Dr. The visitation will begin Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Delhomme Funeral Home-Bertrand from 11:00 AM until the time of service. A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the Carmelite Monastery, 1250 Carmel Avenue, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. Personal condolences may be sent to the Meza family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Luis Alberto Meza, M. D., FACP and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home at 1011 Bertrand Dr. in Lafayette, Louisiana. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Homes, Inc. December 2023.