Dr. Clyde Lindsey

Dr. Clyde Lindsey, a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather died peacefully on May 23rd, 2023. He was 99 years young. Clyde was born in Sarepta, Louisiana on April 15, 1924 to Norma Worsham Lindsey and Clyde Hobson Lindsey, Sr. Growing up during The Great Depression, Clyde learned the value of hard work. When his father died of pneumonia at 32, eight-year-old Clyde and his six-year-old brother Bob, promised him they would earn a college degree. His mother remarried and moved to Kilgore, Texas. In the years to follow the family welcomed three new siblings – Margie, Roy and Max. A football and basketball star at Kilgore Junior College, Clyde was recruited with fellow Texan Y. A. Tittle to play football at LSU. Clyde went on to play not only football but basketball and baseball as well, winning several SEC titles. He is one of the few athletes to be inducted into the LSU Hall of Fame upon graduation and was one of the last three-sport-letterman to play for LSU.

During the fall of 1945, Clyde met education major Betty Ellender from Houma. The drum majorette and football star made quite a dashing couple. They married December 28th, 1946 and after flying together with the LSU team to Dallas, spent their honeymoon at the Cotton Bowl. Clyde graduated with a degree in Mathematics and was offered a teaching/coaching job at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge. He helped lead the Istrouma football, basketball and baseball teams to compete for state tittles over the next seven years. He later became assistant principal and was instrumental in developing some of the first advanced placement programs. He returned to LSU in 1966 to work on his Doctorate in Education. Two years later, Dr. Lindsey joined the EBR Public School System as Administrative Assistant, later becoming Assistant Superintendent. In 1976, Clyde was promoted to Superintendent of EBR Public Schools serving three years before retiring.

After retirement, Clyde took over the Henry Ellender Heirs business as CEO, leasing land in south Louisiana for oil and natural gas wells. In 1986, he began working on a levee protection system for Terrebonne Parish. Work that continues to this day. In addition, he and Betty planted an orange and pecan grove and farmed their property which had over 300 citrus trees. He and the family, including grandchildren, would pick, pack and haul produce to Baton Rouge where it was sold to his neighborhood grocery store Calandro’s, Southside Produce and other local markets. He relished country living and enjoyed his farm in Montegut affectionately known as “The Place”. Clyde will always be remembered for his love of the outdoors: hunting, fishing and trapping alligators. He was an enthusiastic and gifted story teller, frequently embellishing his athletic skills. One particular favorite story was how Clyde’s coach asked him to design the perfect defense to beat Alabama in 1946, which they did. His grandchildren could recite his countless tales by heart. Throughout his lifetime, Clyde received numerous awards and recognitions and participated in many community clubs, particularly Kiwanis. He played basketball for the Senior Olympics. As he grew older, Clyde continued his love and support for the Istrouma Indians.

He touched many people’s lives, no matter what role he undertook – husband, father, uncle, friend, coach, mentor. He is survived by his loving children and their spouses – son Steve, his wife Joyce, Larke Guercio, Judy Determann, her husband Mike, Robin Sanchez, her husband Allan, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the wonderful care provided by Heart of Hospice, Heritage Manor Nursing Home and caretakers Tommy, Ve and Dorothy. A church service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Morganza Action Coalition for the critical protection of our valuable coastal community.

https://morganza-action-coalition.square.site/