C. Verne Brian

Baton Rouge, LA - Verne Brian died at home on March 22, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was 84 years old and a resident of Baton Rouge. Verne was born in Morganza, Louisiana and spent his childhood years in Simmesport with his parents, sister and numerous cousins.

Although he lived the remainder of his life in Baton Rouge, he often recounted delightful childhood stories of people and events which characterized the essence of small-town life in Louisiana. His path eventually led to Louisiana State University where he met the love of his life and wife of sixty-three years, Rose. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from LSU, Verne and Rose headed to Memphis, Tennessee where he completed his doctorate degree in Optometry. From there, he returned to Louisiana and opened his practice in Baton Rouge. After several years in private practice, he accepted a position at Stanocola Medical where he practiced for the next forty years and became head of the eye department.

Verne was a kind, compassionate and caring eye doctor, dearly loved by his patients. He even kept up with his patients long after he retired receiving letters and phone calls from many of them. With a gift for engaging in conversation, Verne was an outgoing and friendly man who never met a stranger. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and volunteered in various capacities throughout the years. He served as an usher for the church and assisted the school by coaching basketball, popping loads of popcorn in the concession stand, and manning the BBQ grill at the church fair. He was also an LSU sports enthusiast and rarely missed watching a football or baseball game. Verne served as a member of numerous professional and philanthropic organizations, including the American Optometric Association, Louisiana State Association of Optometric, and New Orleans Contact Lens Society, Capital Sertoma Club, The Junior Chamber (Jaycees), and the CHS Men's Club. Above all else, Verne was an exemplary family man who, together with Rose, built a strong foundation upon which they grew their ever-expanding family. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Brian, Sr. and Gertrude Fryou Brian, sister, Effie Brian Ehrhardt, daughter-in-law, Donna Wentworth Brian, and great nephew, Collin Gallegos.

He is survived by his loving wife Rose Saia Brian, and his children: Lisa Olinde (Henry), Frank Brian, and Kevin Brian (Renee); his nine grandchildren: Julie Olinde, Henry Olinde III, Madeline Olinde, Aynsley Scheuermann (Chandler), Grant "Tic" Brian (Anna Catherine), Briggs Brian, Bradley Brian (Taylor), Victoria Simmons (Hunter), and Patrick Brian; his five great grandchildren: Caroline and Luke Simmons, Graham and Camille Scheuerman, and Greer Brian; and his nieces and nephews: Marla Mancil (Thad), Sheri Sandlin (Clifton), Evan Ehrhardt (Meredith), Laci Bohmann (Martin), Grace and James, Lyndi Richardson (David) and Olivia. The family wishes to thank all of the friends who took the time to visit Verne in his later years, especially Tullis McKnight, Dr. Louis Tonore, and Charlie Tramonte.

The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to his sister-in-law, Theresa Saia, Lyndi and David Richardson, Dr. Brad Vincent, Dr. Douglas Say, The Hospice of Baton Rouge and caregiver, Lois Slaughter.

Pallbearers will be as follows: his five grandsons, Henry Olinde III, Bradley Brian, Grant "Tic" Brian, Patrick Brian, Briggs Brian and, grandson-in-law, Hunter Simmons.

Services will be held on Monday, March 30 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 with visitation from 9:00 am - 10:00 am. A Catholic funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am, celebrated by Father Cleo Milano and concelebrated by Father Miles Walsh and Father Michael Moroney. Interment to follow at the Our Lady of Mercy Garden of Peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Our Lady of Mercy Traditions for Tomorrow Campaign, Baton Rouge Regional Eyebank or to a charity of your choice.