John Nathaniel "Johnny" Gum Jr.

John "Johnny" Nathaniel Gum, Jr., age 88, was born August 15, 1937, and passed away peacefully at his home in Plaquemine, Louisiana on March 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. John was born in Freeport, Texas to John N. Gum, Sr., and Minnie May Lowry Gum. He has been a resident of Plaquemine, Louisiana since 1951 and devoted his life to his family, businesses, and community. Johnny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He shared 68 beautiful years with his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Case Gum, a retired educator, and he took great pride in his three children: Darryn Gum (Alex Frantz), Danielle Gum Prejean (Thomas Prejean), and Devin Gum (Bobbi Parker). To his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known lovingly as Papadu, a name that carried warmth, comfort, laughter - sometimes fear, and countless cherished memories. Johnny was a graduate of Plaquemine High School in 1955 and served as class president. He later attended LSU and earned a Master of Social Work degree in 1964. During his master's program, he was elected president of his class. After graduation, he remained active as a social worker and administrator for Iberville Parish and the State of Louisiana. Later, he owned numerous businesses serving the needs of his community, including Legacy Nursing Homes in Plaquemine and Port Allen, Louisiana. Johnny had a distinguished career in public service. At the age of 23, he ran the Iberville Parish Office of Family Support, making him the youngest parish administrator in the state of Louisiana at the time. He enjoyed serving the poor, neglected, and abused residents of Iberville Parish with responsibilities of running the Food Stamp Program, Child Protective Services, and other department programs. He co-founded the Association of Retarded Children (ARC) for Iberville Parish. Johnny cared deeply for the residents of Iberville Parish, even after retirement and up until his passing. He later moved to Louisiana Department of Public Works, becoming Under Secretary at the Department of Health and Hospitals assisting in bringing Medicaid to the state of Louisiana and other state-wide programs. His last career job in the State was working in the Lt. Governor's office of Robert L "Bobby" Freeman, a close friend through the years. Throughout his career, he also mentored LSU social work students and was active in the Louisiana Conference of Social Welfare, serving as state treasurer, executive board member, and Chairman of Louisiana Region VII. He was also a member of the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Nursing Home Association. Beyond his professional accomplishments Johnny was deeply involved in civic and community life. He served on the Board of Directors of Plaquemine Bank for 46 years and was the Vice Chairman of the Board for many of those. He was a member of the Louisiana State University Board of Advisors to the Dean of the School of Social Welfare, the LSU Alumni Association and the Tiger Athletic Foundation. He was a charter member of the Iberville Museum and a co-founder of Plaquemine Little Theater. He was also a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, serving as an usher and member of the Finance and Building Committee. In addition, he co-organized the St. John's Vincent de Paul conference and was past president of the St. John Father's Club and the Plaquemine Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Acacia Masonic Lodge, Legatus and Order of Alhambra. In earlier years, he enjoyed coaching Cub Scout softball. Johnny also enjoyed Mardi Gras and was a charter member of Le Krewe du Roi, serving as past president of the Board and as Duke and King. Until his passing, he was the longest serving member of the Krewe du Roi. He was also a member of the Krewe of Okeanos and the Mystic Crew of Louisiana in Washington, DC. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, Key Man Award, Outstanding Young Men recognition, the Grand Marshal of the Acadian Festival Parade, and the Alumni of the Decade (1960-1969) from LSU School of Social Work. Johnny loved life, traveling and snow skiing. He was known for being loving, compassionate, generous, and sometimes even a little onery. He loved anything LSU and going to his camp on the Atchafalaya River, even though his hunting skills were questionable. He loved to fish in his ponds and loved to have people come fish, even though he would not let his friends eat their catch out of fear of contamination. He spent many nights in Florida at his condo and on his boat, Papadu's Playmate. Rumor is he may have sunk a boat or two by accident or hit sandbars in Florida and the Atchafalaya. His legacy continues through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson. He will be remembered for his leadership, service, steady presence and unwavering devotion to his family and community. He will be deeply missed and loved forever. He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn; his three children; his grandchildren; Brettanye Michelle, Genevieve Prejean, Jeanne "MeMe" Favret, and Alex Favret; great grandchildren, Brennan Michelle (Faith Sonier), Brody Rivet, Brayden Dupre, Victoria Dupre; and great-great grandson, Beckham Michelle; brother, Billy Gum (Cindy Rhorer); sisters-in-law, Clara Gum and Amy Flatau (Edison Flatau); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brother, James "Jimmy" Gum; brother-in-law, Charles Kimble Case, mother-in-law, Mildred Case Thomas; and step-father-in-law, Alan Thomas. Pallbearers will be Brennan Michelle, Brody Rivet, Brayden Dupre, Alex Favre, Ed Case, Steven Case, Eric Flatau, Chene Flatau and Michael Gum. Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew "Bruck" Nadler, Francis Becnel, Samuel Carville, and Steven Panepinto. Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, Plaquemine on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 8:30a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, celebrated by Father Cleo Milano and con-celebrated by Father Martin Lawrence. Entombment at Grace Memorial Park will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. John Church 100 Years Campaign, 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana, 70764. The family extends a special thanks to Comfort Care Hospice, particularly John and Mike Barbee, and his loving caretakers: Vickie Guillot, Carmesha Wilson, Joelle Georgetown, Alice Gailes, Ava Cain, Jairo and Reme Esteves, as well as the numerous friends and families that have donated food, time and comfort.