Robert "Bob" Broussard Sr.

Robert "Bob" Broussard, Sr., businessman, insurance executive, entrepreneur, mentor, friend to everyone he met, but most of all, a loving and doting husband, father, grandfather, and sibling even to his in-laws, lost his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on December 17, 2025. As he departed his earthly home, he was blessed with visits from dozens of friends and family who traveled from near and far wanting to hold his hand, tell him how much they loved him, thank him for being a sounding board, a moral compass, a man with integrity whom they admired, and mainly to thank him for being their best friend.

Robert, or "Bob," as he was referred to professionally, was born July 24, 1948, to Thelma Mire Broussard and Wallace Broussard in Maurice, Louisiana. He grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he attended St. Paul Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Paul Breaux High School.

In his early years, Robert was sure he would become a bricklayer, following in the construction footsteps of his father and uncle, but God had a different plan. A childhood friend suggested he apply to Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, which he did on a whim. God ordered his steps as he majored in Business Administration, graduating in December 1970. That choice not only earned him a degree, but also led him to be the wingman on a double date in October of 1969. Even though both Robert and Jinx had to be persuaded by their friends to go on that blind date, magic happened between them that evening. How coincidental: both had sisters named Eva and brothers named Warren Joseph! After only three in-person dates and many love letters that followed, a proposal letter, a diamond engagement ring and a kimono sent all the way from Japan, arrived in Jinx's tiny LSU mailbox. The fourth time they laid eyes on each other was when Robert and Jinx wed on April 17, 1971. In total, they experienced 56 years of adventure, travel, raising not only their children and helping many others, but most of all a deep, unending loyalty, respect, connection, and love. Why? Because God ordered his steps.

With the Vietnam War raging and a draft lottery number of 22, Robert knew he would be headed to the jungles of that Southeast Asian country. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his two cousins, Allen P. Catalon and Paul "Shorty" Broussard, and join the Navy. His skills as the fastest typist around and his ability to speak Creole French landed him the job of clerk typist and assistant to the Commandant. Robert often told stories of his travels across the entire globe, from Madagascar to Ethiopia to Singapore, and beyond. "This little country boy from Truman has been all over the world", he would say. Why? Because God ordered his steps. Robert often joked that he and their daughter, Erica, were the only two people he knew who served in wars and did not fire a gun.

After his Navy service, Robert moved to New Orleans to join his wife, Jinx. He worked his first job for literally about five minutes when he realized the job was not as advertised. Concerned about how Jinx would react, he walked for an hour downtown, not realizing God was ordering his steps. While taking those steps, he looked through the window at Casey/Canal Ford and saw a friend from Lafayette inside. That friend hired him on the spot. Armed with his business degree, a drive to make his mark, his Navy experience, affable personality, and let's not forget, good looks and charm, he quickly rose to the peak of his sales field, garnering innumerable top awards. Seeking the next challenge, Bob joined IBM, where every year he received national recognition as a top producer. After five years, he joined Allstate Insurance Company and remained there for almost 38 years, eventually becoming an independent Allstate Agency owner. There, his sales prowess and personality enabled him to excel, winning awards, bonuses, and recognition that included trips to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Lake Tahoe, New York, Las Vegas, and many more. He reached the top echelons of every endeavor he pursued, professionally and personally.

Robert's love of travel whisked him and his little wife all across the Americas, Western Europe, the Baltics, Asia, and beyond.

"Bob is the only person I know who has best friends from every stage of his life," one friend recently said. At any given time, he may be on the phone reminiscing with his cousins about jumping off the barn onto a horse and riding through the pastures in Maurice, La, or with his "potnas" from Paul Breaux or Southern University, to all the friends he gathered from Casey Ford, IBM, Allstate, the gym, cutting grass outside waving to neighbors, and through decades of attending the Catholic Men's Retreat at Manresa in Convent, La. He lived his life by providing a smile, a laugh, a good time, a hug, an ear, a source of support and guidance to so many. He was the first on the dance floor who could swing out and Zydeco and the last to leave. A great dancer who committed to being in the present moment and having a great time; he was good at it all. He was a husband, friend, father, and mentor to many. He may have told them what they didn't want to hear, but what they needed to know.

Robert believed in taking care of his body, eating right, and exercising. He worked out religiously and played golf multiple times a week. That dedication to the gift of his body gave him the strength to fight this battle and win for far longer than expected. As he faced his mortality, he was strong and courageous; a realist and hopeful. He would not give up. Although he may have felt scared at times, he let everyone know his expectation was that as long as he was alive, you were to treat him as such. He did not want pity, but prayers of love and hope. He wanted good stories and memories shared with him, smiles and the fun times he gave to all of us. That is how he wanted to be honored.

Because God ordered his steps, he was able to freely live his life with the motto of doing the right thing even when no one was looking. Whether it was wheeling and dealing in his sales profession or on a night out with the fellas, he led by example and embodied integrity, for he knew that a fair deal was still a great deal. He also deeply believed that there was no one better or more suited for him than his pretty little wife, Jinx. His greatest legacy is not just what is mentioned above. It is being a strong, loving, and secure man. At a time in history where it was not socially acceptable for a wife to flourish professionally, he supported his wife, Jinx's career. Cheerleading her accomplishments, watching over their kids while she traveled or worked late; all while his friends teased him, calling him "Mr. Jinx". Robert didn't care because he and Jinx did this for each other. A true powerful, impactful partnership. They only had one team and that was Team Robert, Jinx, Erica, Dana and Rob. He was right there putting hairdressers out of business, combing and styling hair, putting soul food restaurants to the test as he whipped up those meals, and no one could make a bed as tight as he did. He was walking those miles as a St. Augustine High School Marching 100 band dad. He was flying to Nashville or Washington, D.C. to help tend to his girls if they were sick with pneumonia or sick because someone who couldn't measure up to him broke one of his girl's hearts. He taught his children how to respect themselves, be confident, independent, manage money and how to succeed in and at this thing called life. He taught his children and grandchildren INTEGRITY and accountability. To any and everyone he encountered, he professed deep love of his wife and his children. He was the fun uncle, the surrogate father, the brother from another mother. His home was open to old and young who needed it. He visited the elderly and the sick. He made it to the mountaintop, but always had

his arm extended to help someone rise to the top with him. And for that, all love him.

"God doesn't live for us. We live for God." - Robert Broussard, Sr. This was his philosophy. Robert was rewarded on this earth for walking in God's steps. He had the fortune of enjoying the fruits of his labor and of the life he created with his pretty little wife. They watched their children succeed over and over again. His big girl, Erica, became the first medical doctor in his family. His baby girl, Dana, earned her doctorate in psychology and touches lives in the same way he did, and his namesake, Robert Jr., followed in his footsteps and began his own immensely successful insurance agency. Robert had an opportunity to create memories with all of his grandchildren, taking them to school, cheering at games, and playing peek-a-boo.

And now, Robert's work is done. God has ordered his steps to eternal peace. Although it pains us survivors to see him go, we know he is up above, imploring us to honor his spirit, to make a great time out of a good time, to be a friend and family member someone can count on. If we can live by his example, may we be blessed to have the amazing family, life and career of the one and only, Robert "Bob" Broussard, Sr.

Robert is survived by his wife, Dr. Jinx Coleman Broussard, and their children, Dr. Erica Broussard Bart, Dr. Dana Broussard Labat, and Robert Broussard, Jr.; Son- and daughter-in- law Kevin Bart and Sasha Steib Broussard; grandchildren, Ryan Joseph Labat, Gabriel Robert Labat, Nadia Elise Bart, Fallon Victoria Bart, Savannah Marie Broussard, and Robert "Saint" Broussard III. Robert's siblings include James Broussard (Theresa) of Maurice, La.; Eva Broussard Whetstone (Michael) of New Orleans, La; Rose Broussard of Lafayette, La; Warren Broussard of Houston, Tx; and Charlotte Williams of Lafayette; sisters- and brothers-in law, Betty Coleman Clement of LaPlace, La; Eva Colemen of Vacherie, La; Warren Joseph Coleman (Brenda) of Wallace, La.; Larry Coleman (Patricia) of New Orleans, La; and Amy Coleman Moore (Marcus) of DeSoto, Tx. Robert is survived by a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, including Keisha Nelson-Boutee (Martin); Kaisha Nelson, Chastity Rubin, Krystal Broussard Hall (Tommy), Kelly Broussard, Anthony Broussard, and Loni Broussard, all of Houston, Tx; Chelsea Fields (Eric) of Lafayette, La.; Melanie Clement of DeSoto, Tx; Maya Clement; Warren Coleman III (Shajuandra) of Wallace, La.; Marcus Cole Moore of Houston, Tx; Colin Moore of Austin, Tx; Jeramie Coleman (Maya) and Javon Lymuel (April) of New Orleans, La; godchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

For many marriages, the spouse learns that their life partner is part of a package deal. Robert found out early on that Jinx Coleman came with Eva Coleman. After decades of Eva being a constant in their lives, the three of them nicknamed themselves the Three Amigos and the Three Musketeers. Eva was right there by their sides until the end.

Although Robert loved all his nieces and nephews, he considered it one of his greatest honors to be the Parrain of James Charles. They loved each other beyond measure and their bond was undeniable.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Broussard; mother, Thelma Mire Broussard; and brother, Harold.

The services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025, beginning with visitation at 9:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Before mass begins, tributes will be provided by The Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and sister chapters, as well as by Robert Broussard, Jr. The recitation of the rosary will precede the funeral. Internment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, LA. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences with the family.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Augustine High School Marching 100 by visiting the link below. Please write In Honor of Robert Broussard, Sr. in the Special Instructions. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/l2G4uvfmBmbs34XlAEg0gQ