William "Elliott" Laudeman, III

William Elliott Laudeman, III was born in New Orleans on September 12, 1937. He was the son of Miriam Mooney Laudeman and William Elliott Laudeman, Jr. and brother to Elizabeth “Bitsy” Duggins. Elliott died peacefully on March 22, 2024 in Baton Rouge, surrounded by his abundantly loving family. He attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School, where he met his wife of 61 years, Sue Ruppel Laudeman. Elliott started his undergraduate career playing football at Sewanee College and later earned his degree from Tulane University. His professional journey began in the insurance industry at Klinesmith, Laudeman, and Talbot and he later joined Insurance Underwriters Limited, where he finished his career. His love of sports extended into all aspects of his life. He always had two televisions on with different games to ensure he never missed a play. While serving in the Air National Guard, Elliott ensured his local unit never missed a play by rigging the radio towers to pick up Tulane football games. He was always funny and entertaining in his own special way. Elliott’s love for New Orleans was apparent through his involvement in many local social organizations alongside his lifelong New Orleanian friends. His talents were enjoyed by various organizations, most notably The Sugar Bowl Committee. Elliott was instrumental in the creation of the Sugar Bowl Chapter of the National Football Foundation over 50 years ago and served as the President of the Sugar Bowl in 1984-85. He served as the long-time chairman of the Sugar Bowl’s Sponsor Liaison Committee, working with USF&G Insurance, Nokia and Allstate during that time. Elliott was honored with the National Football Foundation’s Distinguished American Award in 2012, given annually to an individual who has set the standard for a life of service to the community and has made a significant contribution to the betterment of amateur football. Apart from his involvement with the Sugar Bowl, Elliott had a constant and infectious presence in his grandsons’ sporting events, never showing up to an event without highlighted roster handouts of the opposing team. After leaving New Orleans, Elliott and Sue enjoyed their later years on the Gulf Coast in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Elliott is survived by his loving wife, Sue Laudeman; his sister Elizabeth “Bitsy” Duggins, his daughters Susu Kellam (Whit) and Keppy Martin; and grandchildren, Polk Kellam (Madeline) and Elliott Kellam. He is also survived by his nephews Scott Duggins and David Duggins, II, who affectionally called him Uncle Daddy, as well as numerous special relatives who loved him dearly. The service honoring his life will be held at the Lake Lawn Cemetery on March 28, 2024. The visitation will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM and the graveside service will begin at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made to the “Sugar Bowl Chapter, National Football Foundation” in support of that group’s scholarship fund aiding local high school scholar-athletes. Please mail any donations to: Sugar Bowl, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, LA 70112.