Russell Joseph Rabalais

Mr. Rabalais was born in Plaucheville, Louisiana on September 11, 1926. After graduating high school, Mr. Rabalais served in the United States Navy for four years and was a Veteran of World War II. Upon service to his country, Mr. Rabalais and his wife, Althea (Sis) Ducote Rabalais married and moved to Metairie, Louisiana where they began their lives. Mr. Rabalais was an accomplished and self-taught carpenter and after only a few years of service, became a superintendent at various companies, teaching and educating the younger generation, “the tricks of the trade”, as he would say; retiring after forty plus years in the industry.

He is survived by his three children, Bill Rabalais (Penny); Deborah Rabalais Lunning (Bob); Jon Rabalais; two brothers, Bobby and Dean Rabalais and six grandchildren. He was the eldest of seven children born to Wiley and Anne Dufore Rabalais, and was preceded in death by his son, Robin Rabalais; second wife, Cecil Rabalais; brothers, Savoie and Raymond Rabalais; sisters, Gloria Rabalais and Genevieve Rabalais Lacour, and his daughter-n-law, Rachel Rabalais.

Russell was steadfast, strong, honest and generous – all great qualities in a good man. He never met a stranger and always loved to garden and plant fruit and pecan trees. Mr. Rabalais enjoyed his camp located in his birth place of Avoyelles Parish, where he often took his children, family members and friends to enjoy fishing and hunting. He always remembered to bring along not only his fishing poles, but his love for wine and his small black iron skillet to enjoy his famous crispy cornbread.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, Louisiana 70072 on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 9:30 AM until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 which will be officiated by Father Bernie Terrebonne. The graveside service and burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 11316 River Road, St. Rose, La., 70087.