Dr. Eugene John Clothiaux

Dr. Eugene John Clothiaux, Professor of Physics at Auburn University, affectionately known as "Dr. C," died Thursday, May 10 at the age of 76. He finished teaching the classes he loved on Friday, turned in his final grades on Sunday, went for scheduled surgery to keep him going full steam on Monday, and quietly passed in the company of his family on Thursday. He was born in Kaplan, Louisiana, the youngest of five children. He received his B.S. in physics from the University of Louisiana at Layfayette, attended Tulane University, received is M.S. in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, and earned his PhD in physics at New Mexico State University. Eugene's passions were teaching and research, and neither his family, nor colleagues, nor students were spared his enthusiasm. Auburn University provided the setting and community that supported and nurtured him for 37 years. At home, he enjoyed the companionship of his wife, Clara, a revolving door of kids and grandkids, an adoring cat, and a healthy supply of crawfish etouffee. The constancy of his fig tree transplanted from his Louisiana home kept him close to his roots. His is survived by Clara, his wife of 52 years, three sons, Pierre, Eugene "Butch", and John; three daughters, Anne, Monica and Jeanne-Annie; nine grandchildren, Dominique, Michael, Claire, Philip, Caroline, Daniel, Josh, Sophie, and Anabelle; sister, Marguerite, and brother, Harry. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Visitation will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Sunday. The funeral service will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Monday at 10:00 a.m. with contemplative visitation held prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Michael's Catholic Church or East Alabama Medical Center Foundation. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com Sign the guest book online at www.oanow.com