Milton Jude Boackle

Milton Jude Boackle, age 86, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on December 23, 2024. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi on May 9, 1938, to the late Abraham M. Boackle and Clara H. Boackle. He was raised in Crystal Springs, Mississippi before moving to New Orleans to attend college. He was the beloved husband of the late Claudia Mumphrey Boackle for 39 years. Milton is survived by his sons Abraham (Beth) and Anthony (Emily); his grandchildren, Allyson, Andrew, and Alaina; his brother, Kay (Sheila) of Ridgeland, MS; his brother-in-law Nafe David of Germantown, TN; and many loving relatives and friends, including his companion, Doris DiLeo. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his two sisters, Reba David and Lois Jones.

Milton received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. He proudly served twenty years in the US Army and the Army Reserve, rising in rank from private to commissioned officer (Major). Nine of those years were spent as Commander of the l56th Army Band. Milton had a long, successful 36-year career as an educator in the St. Bernard Parish Public School System. He taught instrumentals to students in grades 3 to 12, led the St. Bernard High School band as its director, served as principal at Lacoste Elementary School and Millaudon Middle School and ended his tenure as a supervisor. In his early years as principal, he was proud to participate in opening the school system's first special education classes and Head Start program. Milton resided in St. Bernard Parish for 40 years, until Hurricane Katrina, and was currently residing in Slidell. Over the years, he was a member of several community bands throughout the greater New Orleans area, a parishioner at St. Mark (Chalmette) and Our Lady of Lourdes (Slidell) churches, a member of the St. Bernard Retired Teachers Association, and a member of several St. Bernard Parish boards and committees.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chalmette High School Band, 1100 East Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043 or to the charity of your choice.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, January 3rd from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, followed by a Mass in Milton’s memory beginning at 11:00AM. He will be laid to eternal rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.