Stephen Vallrie Buras

Stephen “Steve” Vallrie Buras passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, at the age of 73. He was born on December 26, 1951, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Vallrie J. and Mary Fullmer Buras. Steve was a lifelong resident of the greater New Orleans area, calling Kenner, Louisiana, home for 50 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ann. He was the loving father of Alicia Buras (Jason) and Jeffrey “Jeff” Buras (Kim), and proud Paw Paw of Reid and Kai Buras. He was the brother of Valerie, David, Michael, and chosen sister and brother, Patsy and Barry.

Steve was employed by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he served honorably for 46 years. He retired as Captain and Commander of the Homicide Division. Upon full-time retirement, he returned for 5 years as a Detective for the Criminal Intelligence Center (CIC). Steve was known for his unwavering integrity, leadership, and compassion for others. He was deeply respected by colleagues and the community he served, all due to how much he loved his job with the J.P.S.O. Steve attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and was a proud graduate of Session 177. He remained a member of the FBI Academy Associates. Steve was a long-time member of the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA). He served as Southern Regional Director and was President from 2006-2008. He was instrumental in bringing the IHIA Symposium to New Orleans in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina.

Outside of his professional life, Steve was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, brother and a friend to many. He brought joy and laughter to everyone around him with his quick wit, big heart, and natural sense of humor. He loved hunting, golfing, and watching his favorite sports teams. Steve will be remembered for his selflessness, humor, loyalty and deep commitment to protecting those he loved. His legacy of service, laughter and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Friends, family and colleagues are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM, with a Mass to begin at 12:00PM. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, masses to St. Philip Neri Church, or a charity of your choice.