Andrew Balthazar

Andrew Thomas Balthazar, a dedicated and hard-working individual, passed away peacefully at his residence on Old River on March 27, 2025, at the age of 86. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final moments. Born on November 28, 1938, at his home place in Melrose, Louisiana, Andrew lived a life rich with love and commitment.

For over 35 years, Andrew devoted his professional life to Tennessee Gas Pipeline, retiring as a supervisor. Outside of work, Andrew was known for his sharp dressing style, always meticulously starched and topped-off with a cowboy hat, showcasing his attention to detail in all aspects of life. Andrew was a long-time parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church and was actively involved with The Holy Name Society, reflecting his deep faith and commitment to his Lord. He found great joy in listening to country music, dancing and spending Sundays on the porch of the house he was raised in with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia Raggio Balthazar; daughters Velma McKinney and Jamie Renee Balthazar; sons Andrew Balthazar, Jr. (Kathy), Darryl Balthazar (Valerie), and Keith Balthazar (Lori). Andrew was a proud Papa to Kendrick, Andrea (Marshall), Brandy (Antonio), Ashlyn (Antonio), Connor, Rob, Carson, Blayklee, Courtney (Corey), and Chelsea (Ricardo) and great-children Kendrick Jr., Kenli, Nora, Maya, Arabella, Olivia, Jeremiah, Violet, Halle, Jacob, Landon and a baby boy arriving in July. His legacy continues through his siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom hold dear the memories made and laughs shared with “Uncle Drew.” And a special friend who was more than a caregiver, Melva Mitchell, who spent countless hours caring for and praying with her “Buddy.”

Andrew is preceded in death by his parents, JB Balthazar and Cecilia Metoyer Balthazar; an infant son, Myron Balthazar; and siblings Helen Rachal, James Balthazar, and Cleo Balthazar.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home located at 848 Keyser Ave, Natchitoches, LA 71457. A tribute service will be held at 6:30 PM followed by a 7 PM Rosary Service in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM with Rev. William "Bill" Gearheard serving as celebrant, followed by entombment at St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery Mausoleum, Isle Brevelle, LA. A repass will follow the service at St. Augustine Catholic Church Hall.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include: Jerry Jones, Jr. ,Nathan Jones, James Raggio,Jr., Kerry Raggio, Dean Abraham, and Tommy Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Dudley Conant, Dan Roque and Eric Balthazar.

The family would like to recognize the following for their exceptional care of Andrew- Dr. Barnum, Dr. Matta, Lagniappe Home Health, Hospice of Natchitoches, the nurses and staff at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and NRMC Wound Clinic. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

Andrew Balthazar's life was marked by love and dedication to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire those who knew him.