Marcel D. "Bucky" Paul

Marcel D. "Bucky" Paul, a native of Alexandria, and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on November 12, 2024, at his home in Central, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.

Marcel was born in 1934, grew up in Ponchatoula and graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1952. He attended Mississippi State University on a baseball scholarship but withdrew from school at the end of his first year and married his high school sweetheart, Carol LeSaicherre, in Liberty, TX.

He enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in the Korean War. Following his military service, the young couple settled in Baton Rouge.

He co-founded a business, Baker Agency, and co-authored a children's book, "Elbert Egret and Magnolia Cow," both with his wife.

He was a volunteer firefighter and coached little league baseball in Baker and a track team in Central. He loved to run marathons and triathlons, play baseball, assemble jigsaw puzzles, and work in the press box during home Tulane football games. He was a life-long Tulane fan. He could often be seen kicking field goals, hitting baseballs, and running at the Central High School stadium.

For many years at Christmas, he played Santa Claus for underprivileged children. He was extremely creative and always up for an adventure. Everyone who met him said he was incredibly generous and giving.

He is predeceased by his parents, Hagie and Catherine Paul, and his wife of 70 years, Carol.

He is survived by his son, Jim Paul of Central; a daughter, Dee Dee Paul Caneva (Tom) of Champaign, IL; six grandchildren, Jennifer Martin (Brady), Rachel Majors (Joey), Christopher Paul (David Bailey), Christine Caneva, Michelle Valli (Gabriel) and Stephanie Caneva; four great-grandchildren, Calvin Martin, Lucy Martin, Joshua Majors and Lily Valli; and two sisters-in-law, Joan Davis and Judy LeSaicherre; a nephew, Michael Davis (Stephanie); and two great-nieces, Emma Davis and Abby Davis.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 16, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Central, with visitation from 9:30–10:30, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30.

A graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m. in Ponchatoula Cemetery.

Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond is coordinating the arrangements.