John Hunter Chavanne

John Hunter Chavanne, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in New Roads, LA early September 12, 2024. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Mary's of False River from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Officiating will be Father Stephen Dardis, whose family has been friends with the Chavannes for over 60 years. Father Mike Schatzle and Father Patrick Healy will be concelebrants. Internment will immediately follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Born in Lake Charles, LA, John spent most of his childhood and adult life in New Orleans, LA before moving to New Roads with his wife, Bonnie, in 1998. He was a graduate of De La Salle High School in New Orleans, where he was recognized as an All-State and All-American basketball player and one of the best defensive players in the South. John attended Loyola University on a basketball scholarship, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, a master's degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate Law Degree. He was a Certified Public Accountant. Additionally, John served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant. John's utility industry experience includes tenure as New Orleans Public Service Inc.'s "Vice President Finance and Treasurer" and as "Vice President – Corporate Control and Assistant Secretary" of Louisiana Power and Light Company ("LP&L"). He was most recently employed as a utility regulatory/rate-making expert witness. John's belief in the importance of stewardship to his community was evident in his volunteer service through the numerous boards he served on including St. Mary's Dominican College; Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of New Orleans; Mercy Academy School Board; and St. Mary's of False River Finance Committee. He was also a devoted and active member of St. Mary's of False River Catholic Church and was a regular adorer of the adoration chapel. John was such a strong supporter of catholic education that he made anonymous tuition donations throughout the years. When not working, John could be found watching the sport of the season, reading novels and spiritual reflections, writing letters, journaling, or praying the rosary. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Beaud Chavanne; three children: Cherie Chavanne Cazayoux (Don), Michelle Chavanne Bohan (Glenn), John Hunter Chavanne, Jr.; grandchildren Michael Cazayoux (Adee Zukier), Chavanne Cazayoux Debetaz (Courtney), Katie Cazayoux Juge (PJ), Matthew Bohan, Christopher Bohan, Scout Chavanne, and seven great-grandchildren. His younger sister, Elizabeth Chavanne Sinitiere (Jerry), also survives him. He was preceded in death by parents, Michael Charles Chavanne and Elizabeth Hunter Chavanne, sister Catherine Chavanne and brother Charles Chavanne. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to John's primary doctor, Dr. Richard Lieux, and caregivers Gladys Wright, Denise Lucas and Anna Moore for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, 1900 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 or online at ccdiobr.org.