Photo No. 2299

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He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 4:29-31.

Jude Louis Rabalais, age 82 passed away peacefully at his home on April 14, 2016 at 1:55 PM. A native of Moreauville, LA and resident of Baton Rouge, he was born on August 1, 1933 and lived his whole life as a devout Catholic who loved the Lord, his family and all those he met.

He was raised by his hardworking parents, Lottie Desselle Rabalais and Vance Rabalais, who preceded him in death. From them, he gained his love of gardening and the native tongue of Cajun French. His love for everyone could be heard when he'd often speak the words, %apos;je t' aime beaucoup', which means, 'I love you very much'. After serving in the United States Army, he married his loving wife Elsie A. Rabalais, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage. He was employed and retired from Gulf States Utilities.

Upon retirement, he spent a great amount of time with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music and singing and dancing. He was an exceptional cook and could be found entertaining his hunting buddies which included, his brother-in-law 'Ed', his nephews and dear friends in Mississippi. Although he enjoyed his hobbies, very rarely would any of these take him from his dedication to the church. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, were he was an usher and adorer in the Adoration Chapel. He will always be remembered as a devoted and loving Father and 'Paw Paw', always teaching something along the way.

Survivors include his two daughters, Patricia Rabalais Strickland and her husband Michael 'Mike' Strickland and Glenda Rabalais Banta and her husband George 'Happy' Banta, Jr.; one son, Steven Jude Rabalais and his wife Stephanie Jane Rabalais; grandchildren, Staci Strickland Abreo and her husband Michael Abreo, Kayla Banta Pokorney and her husband Paul 'PJ' Pokorney, Jr., Brandon Strickland and his wife Jill Weller Strickland, Brittney Banta Troxclair and her husband Joshua Troxclair, and Blair Rabalais Clouatre and her husband Dustin Clouatre; two step grandsons, Cody Massey and his wife Jamie Massey and Ethan Massey; great-grandchildren, Gage LeBlanc, Tenley Troxclair, Preston Abreo, Wyatt Massey, Saylor Troxclair and Coley Jane Clouatre; as well as those on their way, Oakleigh Rae Massey, Lincoln Isaac Abreo, Piper Jo Pokorney, and Baby Troxclair. Several other beloved family members including, nieces and nephews, a sister, Sylvia Carrio and brother-in-law Edward Carrio; and a sister- in- law Carolyn Dauzat and her husband Lloyd who is deceased.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to his care-givers for their kind and devoted help over the years.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Strickland, Joshua Troxclair, Dustin Clouatre, Glenn Dauzat, Randy Dauzat, and Chris Dauzat. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home on 9995 Hooper Road, Central, on Sunday, April 17, from 5 p.m to 9 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00pm. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Monday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, at 11:30 a.m. with Father Mike Moroney officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in the Chapel of Eternal Faith Mausoleum, with military honors.