Louis Rochelle Jr.

Louis Rochelle, 85, passed away in Prescott, Arizona, November 12, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Lou was born February 19, 1932 in Marlin, Texas to Lewis Rochelle and Kella Tacker Rochelle.

Lou started playing the steele guitar in high school and, so began, a long career in Western Swing music. While in the Air Force he traveled with a special services band and entertained the troops. One of his sergeants introduced Lou to his daughter, Barbara (Bobbie) Moore. They fell in love and married in 1956. After he and Bobbie returned to Waco, he became part of Johnny Gimble’s “Home Folk’s Show” on KWTX, then later played with Clyde “Barefoot” Chesser and the Texas Village Boys.

Lou went on to play with many bands in Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and Arizona over the years, making life-long friends along the way. He also wrote and co-wrote numerous country songs, the most well-known being “Still A Lot of Love in San Antone”, which he co-wrote with A.L. “Doodle” Owens. Lou worked 12 years with Waco Meat Service, made beautiful cabinets and other wood items, and was always up for a practical joke.

In his later years he was inducted into five Western Swing Hall of Fames around the country as well as the Texas Steele Guitar Hall of Fame.

Lou was pre-deceased by his parents, daughter Holly in 1999, and grandson Jared. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bobbie, of Prescott, Arizona, daughter Mitzi Hammes (Dan) of Prescott, Arizona, son Larry Rochelle (Yvonne) of Hewitt, Texas, 8 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his 3 sisters, Tomsy Burnett, Polly Branch and Lynn Madsen.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: Connally Compton Funeral Home, 4400 W Waco Dr, Waco, Texas. Viewing Friday, December 1, 5:00-7:00pm. Memorial Service Saturday, December 2, 10:00am. Graveside to follow at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 I-35 S, Robinson, Texas.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.