Ralph Hugh Broussard

Ralph Hugh Broussard, Sr., 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 29, 2025 in his home. A devoted father, grandfather, and friend, he lived a long and fulfilling life marked by faith, service, and generosity.

Ralph was born on December 20, 1932, in Lake Arthur, Louisiana, to Leon and Florabelle Broussard. Growing up in a large Cajun French family with seven siblings, he cherished his childhood memories, including riding in a horse-drawn carriage through the dirt roads of Lake Arthur. He played football as a junior running back for Westlake High School in 1951 before proudly serving in the United States Coast Guard, where he was stationed in Coos Bay, Oregon.

On June 28, 1953, Ralph married his bride, JoAnn McCabe Broussard, and together they built a life centered on faith and family. They were married for nearly 47 years until her passing on May 8, 2000.

Following his military service, Ralph embarked on a 43-year career with South Central Bell/AT&T, where his strong work ethic and dedication helped him provide for his family. Beyond his professional life, he was a talented woodworker, woodcarver, and craftsman, finding joy in creating with his hands. An avid gardener, he cultivated beauty and abundance in his yard, much like he nurtured the love of his family.

A devout lifelong Catholic, Ralph lived his faith through acts of kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His home was a place of love and celebration, hosting countless gatherings for birthdays, graduations, holidays, and special occasions-always filled with laughter, warmth, and good food. A skilled cook, his crab stew, seafood gumbo, maque choux, and brisket were cherished family favorites.

Ralph had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed frogging, camping, hunting and fishing. He took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish. He also loved to dance the Cajun two-step and passed down this tradition to many of his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnn McCabe Broussard; his sons, Lawrence Leon Broussard and Ralph "Hugh" Broussard, Jr.; his parents, Florabelle and Leon Broussard; his brother, Dickie Broussard; his son-in-law, Lee A. Bruney; and his sisters-in-law, Betty Broussard and Dot Broussard.

Left to cherish his memory are his companion, JoAnn Baker; his children, Deborah Bruney, Mary (Rafe) David, and Jody (Brandie) Broussard; his siblings, Gene Broussard, Ellyn (Billy) Baker, Jan Broussard (June Sanchez,) Dorothy (Eric) Sundin, Connie (Terry) Joffrion, and Mary (Dennis) Thibodeaux. He will be dearly missed by his extended family, including nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

A time of gathering for family and friends will be Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 8:30am until 11:30am at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA. 70605. A Rite of Christian burial will begin at 11:30am at the funeral home with burial to follow at Consolata Cemetery.

Ralph's legacy of love, hard work, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, reflected in the traditions he passed down, the lessons he taught, and the lives he touched.