Irion Joseph Bordelon, Sr, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away September 19, 2022, at the age of 91, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Irion was born in Marksville, Louisiana to the late Nedley and Esther Bordelon and was the oldest of four children.
Upon graduation from Marksville High, Irion enlisted in the Air Force. After serving five years as a Dental Lab Technician, he was honorably discharged and enrolled at LSU. During his time at LSU, he met and married Peggy Jo Erwin; and together, they had five children. While working selling cars to support his family, Irion was introduced to the world of oil and gas exploration. He immediately fell in love with the business, spending the next 50 years pursing his passion - prospecting and discovering numerous oil and gas fields under the name of two companies he founded, Louisiana Southern and Royal International Petroleum Corporation (Ripco).
While Irion loved the oil and gas business, his greatest loves were his family and LSU. He loved having big get togethers for family and friends. It was a family tradition to spend Thanksgiving Day with him. The more people, the merrier was his attitude, always welcoming everyone with a big smile and open arms. Irion attended all of his kids’ and grandkids’ functions. He especially loved being around and teasing the little ones. Even in his late stage of Alzheimer’s when verbal communication was very difficult, his eyes would light up and a big smile would cross his face every time he saw them. He also enjoyed doing puzzles with them and when they read to him.
Travel with family was another favorite activity of Irion’s, including a safari in Africa, visiting World War II sites, sightseeing in Rome, duck hunting in Mexico, cruises to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, soaking in the hot pools of Arenol Volcano in Costa Rica, rafting the Snake River in Wyoming, and numerous fishing trips offshore Louisiana and Alaska, just to name a few.
Irion’s love for the outdoors, history, and southern architecture culminated in his buying land in Waveland, Mississippi and building Royal Oaks Plantation. He loved walking the fields, casting a plug for big bass in one of the property’s lakes, or listening to the exotic sounds made by the resident peacock flock as they flew up and perched on their respective branches. It was his paradise on earth. Many a good time was passed there with family and friends. September was magical at Royal Oaks: the opening of dove season. It was a much-anticipated time of the year, and once again, another opportunity for family and friends to spend time together.
Irion bled purple and gold, attending LSU football, baseball, basketball, gymnastic competitions, and track and field events. It really did not matter what the sport or event was; if LSU was playing, he was there to cheer them on. On LSU home game weekends, it was not uncommon for his home to be full of out-of-town guests. In addition to providing a comfortable bed, he would cook his famous breakfast, lunch, or dinners for them. He was very comfortable in the kitchen, and like everything else in his life, he took charge. Of course, his arm could easily be twisted to go have a lunch or dinner at his beloved Mike Anderson’s or Walk-Ons.
He is survived by: sisters Esther “Pepper” Jackson (Rader) and Juanita “Tiney” Bordelon; Brother-in-law Don Bertus (Marie); son Irion Bordelon, Jr (Debbie), daughter Denise Bordelon Callegari (Butch); grandchildren Joey, Christopher (Chandra), Matthew, and Laura Bordelon King (Jesse); Will (Annie), Michael (Teresa), Elizabeth, and John (Rosie) Callegari; Ned (Melissa) and Nicole Bordelon; great grandchildren Paige Nold, Abby Bordelon, Julia Bordelon, Rileigh Fleniken, London Bradley, Michael Reynolds, Kyle Bordelon, Balen Bordelon, Wyatt King, Elliot King, Claire Callegari, and Andrew Callegari; as well as numerous nephews. Irion was proceeded in death by his parents Nedley and Esther Bordelon, younger sister Marie Bertus, sons Paul Bordelon and Michael Bordelon, and daughter Michelle Bordelon, and grandson Thomas Joseph Callegari.
Memorial Services for Irion will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Saturday, October 1, 2022, visitation will begin at 9:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am
Interment to follow at All Saints Mausoleum (Adjacent to Funeral Home).
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Irion’s name to the Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF). Tiger Athletic Foundation P.O. Box 711, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 https://lsutaf.link/n2w
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