Wayne Paul Hirschey, born May 7, 1939, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on October 1 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease dementia. He was surrounded by his beloved wife of 57 years, Gayle Gauthier, and his four girls, Elke, Heidi, Erika, and Gretchen. He was 82. A most admired and well respected home builder, Wayne carried on the legacy of his father's building business, SH Hirschey Company. He built homes for more than 400 Baton Rouge families throughout his 37-year building career. Wayne, which means, “builder,” poured his heart, soul and talent into every home he built. He created lasting friendships with many of his clients. Wayne graduated from Catholic High School in 1957. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Gayle, at the Communion rail at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. They courted for six years, marrying in 1964. He served in the United States Army and graduated from LSU in 1965. Wayne was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, serving as an altar boy; attending daily Mass; and beginning each year with his annual Manresa retreat. He was a member of CYO; Knights of Columbus; Homebuilder's Association and a board member of Citizens Savings and Loan. Lovingly called Wayne, Dad, or O'Dad, he will be fondly remembered for his manicured lawn; home football parties; pond fishing; fish frying and margarita making with country music blaring; weekly letters to his four girls; traveling to Hawaii; daily jogs and bike rides with his girls; sports ranting; and frequent Baskin Robbins outings with a truck full of neighborhood children. His generosity, humility, random acts of kindness, service and compassion to everyone he encountered will continue to live in the hearts of many. He is survived by his most cherished Gayle; his four loving daughters, Elke Hirschey Ellzey (David); Heidi Hirschey Smith (Brad); Erika Hirschey Gragg (Mark); and Gretchen Hirschey Ferachi (Kenny); and his sixteen grandchildren-Gibson and Haynes Ellzey; Caroline, Allie, Bradford, Catherine and Virginia Smith; Anna Grace, Thomas, Sophie, Mary Virginia and Charlotte Gragg; and Sara Manning Miller, Madeleine, Andrew, and Anna Catherine Ferachi. He also is survived by his siblings, Ken (Shirley) Hirschey; Pete (Alice) Hirschey; and Janie (John) Hollowell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Scottie Harry and Lula Fontane Hirschey. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, Wednesday, October 6, from 8:45am-10:30am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am. Interment to follow Mass at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family extends its deepest appreciation, gratitude and love to his extraordinary hospice nurse, Suzie Boudinot, and dedicated caregivers, Annette Perkins and Susan Brown. Donations may be made to American Parkinson's Disease Association; Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area; or Hospice of Baton Rouge. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com
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