Richard Phillip Ieyoub

While there are many articles available to tell you all about our Dad’s political accomplishments, we wanted to share who our Dad was to us: Richard Phillip Ieyoub was born August 11, 1944, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Richard was a first generation American and embraced his Lebanese heritage. After graduating from Lake Charles High School, he earned a BA in History from McNeese State University and then a JD at LSU Law School. In 2021, McNeese bestowed his most treasured honor when they awarded him a Doctor of Humane Letters.

As he began building a successful law practice, he could not ignore the call to serve in a greater capacity. His servant leadership and Catholic faith led him to dedicating the remainder of his career to public service as Calcasieu Parish District Attorney, Louisiana Attorney General and Louisiana’s Commissioner of Conservation. He was truly a man of the people.

Apart from his numerous professional accomplishments, those closest to Richard remember him for what mattered most to him. Richard’s greatest achievement was his family and their shared love for one another. Known as Giddie to his five grandchildren and Baba by his wife Caprice, Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He adored his seven children and couldn’t have been prouder of how much they loved and enjoyed each other. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Richard was a merrymaker – singing, dancing, laughing and telling stories with a theatrical flair that inspired the amusement of all around him. In understanding the value and significance of each and every moment, ‘Thank God million times’ was his constant expression of gratitude, honoring his late father.

Throughout his life, Richard led with his heart. He fought for the underdog and the vulnerable. He exhibited courage and unwavering determination in the face of adversity and trials, and he was empathetic and selfless at every turn. He was a fighter who cared not how tough the fight, only whom he was fighting for. Putting faith and family first, Richard inspired generations of friends and colleagues to do the same, and we were blessed to be raised with his example.

Richard is survived by his wife of 28 years, Caprice Brown Ieyoub; children Amy, Nicole (Arthur Murray), Brennan (Joy), Phillip, Khoury, Christian and Anna Michael; grandchildren Nicolas, Nia, Lila, Gabriel, and Logan; brothers Kalil (Gretchel), Patrick (Charlotte), and sister Ernestine Ieyoub Underwood, and the very best nieces and nephews any uncle could ask for.

He was preceded in death by his father Phillip Assad Ieyoub, mother Virginia Khoury Ieyoub, brother Daniel, and brother-in-law Neil Underwood.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where Richard served as a board member.

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. A visitation will occur Friday, April 14, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Jeff Bayhi on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Cathedral, 412 North St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 and a private burial will follow at Our Lady of Mercy Garden of Peace Memorial Columbarium.