Herbert L. Sumrall

A trailblazer in Louisiana government, an army veteran, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Herb passed away peacefully at the age of 94, at home surrounded by his family on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Herbert L. Sumrall was born in 1930 in Jena, Louisiana. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Elizabeth Dent Sumrall; his children Herbert Lee Sumrall Jr. of Baton Rouge; Calhoun Richard Sumrall of New Orleans; Lee Anne Sumrall Garner and his grandson Robert Calhoun Garner of New Orleans; and stepdaughter Judi D. Arnold of Lafayette.

He was preceded in death by first wife Lois Anne Richard Sumrall, parents Lee O. and Mary Lewis “Stat” McMullen Sumrall, brothers Mitchell B. Sumrall and Calhoun W. Sumrall, and sisters Catherine Sumrall Kissner and Winnie Sumrall Spruell.

His surviving nieces and nephews are Mitchell Sumrall Jr; Alice Sumrall Keen, Ellen Sumrall Scheuer, Cathrine Sumrall Hughes; John Kissner Jr, Lee Kissner and Ann Kissner; Rudolf M. Spruell, Alinde S. Harris, Leslie S. Hite, and Marianne S. Rowse.

Sumrall's distinguished career as a public servant began after graduating from Louisiana State University in 1951 with a degree in Government. A lifelong LSU Tiger fan and member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, he joined the Louisiana Department of Employment Security shortly after graduation.

Herb was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor by Governors Edwards (D), Treen (R) and Edwards (D), before he successfully applied and became the Director of the Louisiana State Civil Service. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to excellence. He had an impeccable reputation as a fair and unbiased administrator who was widely admired and respected. Herbert L. Sumrall lived a great life and a great life of service to the people of Louisiana.

Community service in recent years included membership in the Baton Rouge Round Table and the Inter-Civic Council of Greater Baton Rouge. He volunteered with the Baton Rouge Regional Eye Bank and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA).

Away from work, he was considered a true “Southern gentleman” with an irrepressible sense of humor. He loved to dress well, and he enjoyed all that Louisiana’s wonderful culture has to offer, especially our food!

While he recalled his family always had enough to eat even in the depression, extended family and neighbors would often be at the table. Many important values were instilled in him around that table. In fact, he remained committed to the tradition of dining together as a family. Throughout the rest of his life, his most obvious way of showing love was taking family and friends to dinner.

Most of all, Herbert Sumrall was a kind and generous man, quick to smile and especially to say thank you.

The family shares its thanks to the medical professionals Audubon Hospice, the staff and caregivers of At Home Care of Louisiana, and Dee Oliver and Linda Lockett.

Please consider a donation to the Baton Rouge Regional Eye Bank, or the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency Foundation (LOPA Foundation). And when dining out around town, with a nod to Herb, tip your server!

On Friday, January 24, 12 - 2 pm, Visitation will occur followed by a Remembrance Service at 2 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street. A private Graveside Service will be held.