Ralph Joseph "Joe" Lea

Ralph Joseph “Joe” Lea, resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on February 21, 2024 at the age of 81. Joe was born on February 10, 1943 in Chesbrough, Louisiana to Ralph and Evelyn Stokes Lea. He went on to graduate from St. Francisville High School and marry Patricia “Nicky” Dwyer Lea. Joe was a lifelong paperworker and union member. He was part of the start-up crew and retired from Boise Cascade Paper Mill in DeRidder, Louisiana and also had a captain’s license. He enjoyed fishing, watching football and was an avid animal lover but above all he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Nicky” Dwyer Lea of Baton Rouge, LA; children, Kelly Lea Harris (Keith) of Anacoco, LA, Wendy Lea (Brian Juneau) of Denham Springs, LA, Jo Ann Lea Whittington (Chris) of Baton Rouge, LA, Nicole Lea Raine (Garrett) of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Lea Anne Sanders Durrett, Casey Sanders Lentz, Morgan Sanders, David Sanders, Joseph Harris, Nicholas Harris, Lucy Whittington, Lauren Whittington, Naomi Raine; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, James “Jimmy” Lea, Michael “Cokey” Lea, David Lea; brother-in-law, Harry Dwyer, Jr. (Hannah), numerous nieces and nephews, his two Chihuahuas and one cat. He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Harry and Agnes Dupuis Dwyer. Pallbearers will be Joseph Harris, Nicholas Harris, David Sanders, Chris Whittington, Garrett Raine and Ben Lea. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Lea, Josh Lea, Chris Lea and Brian Juneau. Private services will be held for the immediate family with burial following at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Cemetery in St. Francisville, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Dog People of Livingston Parish at their website www.dogpeopleoflivingston.org. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.