Elton John Louviere

Elton was born in Patoutville, Louisiana to George and Aline Louviere on September 3, 1930. He was a graduate of Hanson Memorial High School in Franklin, LA and earned his artist credentials from Art Instruction Inc. in Minnesota. He married Patricia Shea on June 28, 1953 in Franklin, LA. He and his wife owned Louviere’s Fine Art Gallery before retiring in 2011. Elton was a charter member of the Ad & Press Club and a distinguished member of the Montaigne Society. He served as Jean Lafitte in 1976 as a member of the Buccaneers and was a former member of Krewe de la Famille.

Elton’s passion for art began in the second grade. He followed his dream and dedicated his life to art. He is widely known for his vibrant, light-filled Louisiana landscapes, waterfowl paintings and approachable style. He was a stickler for detail and his work contained quietness and a calm that set him apart from other artists. Elton’s work was captured in three separate volumes — Images of Louisiana, Louisiana: Backroads and Bayous and Louviere’s Louisiana: A Sentimental Journey.

Elton was a nationally recognized wildlife artist whose awards included the 1st Louisiana State Duck Stamp competition. He was an avid supporter of Ducks Unlimited and his award winning art raised funds for the establishment of wildlife habitats. He gave his time, talent and heart to many endeavors. He and his wife Pat enjoyed traveling to local schools sharing his passion while teaching art to elementary school students annually during “Louisiana Week”.

After retirement, he was able to devote more time to other joys of his life. Having grown up the son of a farming family, Elton was an avid gardener, producing fruit and vegetables from his gardens and orchards, sharing the fruits of his labor freely with family and friends.

A devout Catholic from an early age, Elton enjoyed attending Mass daily. Elton was involved in many church activities throughout his life. His art adorns the walls and grounds of many local churches as well as local businesses. He was very proud of his sculpture, “The Family” on the grounds of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. His willingness in donating his art to many churches and charitable organizations throughout the community to raise money for a worthy cause speaks volumes of his caring heart.

Above all, Elton loved his wife and business partner of over 60 years, Pat, his children, grandchildren, great grandson and extended family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. A man of many talents, a kind and gentle soul, he will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Elton is preceded in death by his parents George and Aline Louviere and one son, Neil Tracy Louviere.

Elton is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Patricia Shea Louviere. His surviving children include his sons, Scott Louviere and wife Kathy of Lake Charles, LA, Rennie Louviere and wife Angela of Lafayette, LA; daughters, Dody Schneider and husband Phil of Lafayette, LA, Kelly Barry and husband Lou of Cypress, TX, Amanda Holmes and husband John of Conway, AR and one brother, Harold Louviere of Franklin, LA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Aaron Louviere, Grace Louviere, Logan Holmes, Spencer Holmes, Christopher Holmes, Sara LaRocca-Ramm, Amanda Barry, Louis Barry, Ashley Louviere as well as one great grandson Wynter LaRocca-Ramm.

His funeral will be at 11a.m. Monday, January 20, 2014 in St. Theodore Catholic Church. Burial will be in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 5p.m. to 8p.m. at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Visitation will resume Monday morning at 9a.m. until service time at St. Theodore Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Aaron, Logan, Spencer, Christopher, Louis and family friend Zachary Romain.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School, 785 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy, Lake Charles, LA 70611

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.