Paul David Landreaux Jr.

Paul David Landreaux Jr. was born on December 19th 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Paul & Geda Landreaux. Paul grew up in New Orleans, Edgard and Vacherie Louisiana where he enjoyed spending quality time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and a plethora of loving cousins. In the early 50’s, his parents bought a home in Compton, California. His father later received orders to go to Japan where the family was stationed for several years. Paul attended school and made his First Holy Communion while living in Japan. His father was then transferred to Stuttgart, Germany where the family lived for several years before settling in Fort Knox Kentucky where he attended high school. At 18 years old, he joined the United States Air Force on October 10, 1962. After basic training, he was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. On weekends, he would drive to New Orleans to spend time with his aunts and uncles on Pine Street. During one of those visits, he met Rita who would later become his wife. After two years in Biloxi, Paul received orders from the USAF and was sent to the Island of Crete, Greece. While on assignment, he joined the United States Air Force basketball team and began traveling to Italy, Turkey, France and Germany to play teams from other bases around Europe. Paul was a tremendous athlete with a great competitive spirit. On July 8th, 1966, Paul received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force. Later that year, on December 24th 1966, Paul married Ella Rita Landreaux of New Orleans, Louisiana and moved to Los Angeles where he began attending college and graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s Degree; He continued his education and received his Master’s Degree in Urban Education from Pepperdine University in Malibu. In 1979, Paul “Coach Landreaux” secured his first head coach position at El Camino College. In his first 10 years as coach at El Camino’s basketball team, he guided the Warriors to three California Community College State Championships and several conference titles. More important than his own personal wins, Coach Landreaux stressed the importance of education over athletics. Many of his players went on to attend and graduate from Division 1 schools: Mark Wade (UNLV), Troy Cooke (University of Arizona), Roland Horvath (Santa Clara), Charles White (Purdue), Kirkland Howling (Clemson), Joe Copeland (Baylor), Herb Andrews (University of South Alabama), Jackie Robinson (UNLV), Otis Livingston (Idaho State), among many others. In 1988, he accepted the assistant coach position at UCLA and went on to St. Mary’s College in Northern California and coached for 2 years before returning back to El Camino where he taught and coached until he retired in 2007. During retirement, Paul dedicated himself to his family and his two beautiful granddaughters. He was a fixture at Carr Elementary school. He read to Laia’s classmates and ‘patrolled’ the area to ensure all was well on the campus. He loved sports – often inviting friends over to watch boxing (Doug & Mike), attending Clipper Games with close friend Dr. Monroe and of course his passion - playing golf. He had the heart of a warrior and fought his illness relentlessly until the day he passed away. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Ella Rita Landreaux, his daughter Chanel Landreaux; son Paul “Chip” Landreaux, Grandaughters Laia and Lauren Landreaux beloved nephews Terry Landreaux and Kevin Hilaire and wife Karen and their son Jason; niece Summer Williams and Enyatta Gale. Brothers: Harry (Sharon) Brock and Tommy Vassel of New Orleans. Aunts: Marjorie Williams and Clarisy Brown of Inglewood, CA; Lucille Adams of Reserve, LA; Evelyn Barre of Edgard, LA; Amelia Roussell and Juanita Green of Destrahan, LA.; Uncles: Ignace “Fox” Hilaire (Helen) of Edgard, LA, Charles Landreaux of Compton, Ca and Arthur Landreaux of Montebello, California; Sister-in-law: Antonia Baptiste; Bother-Laws: Paul Duplantis & wife Karen; Harold Baptiste & wife Theresa; Gerard Baptiste & wife Roslyn along with a host of beloved cousins, close friends and family. His parents, Geda & Paul Landreaux and sister, Sylvia Ann Landreaux, mother-in-law Anna Mae Baptiste preceded him in death. Acknowledgements: The Landreaux family would like to thank the dedicated medical professionals who provided support and excellent care for Coach Landreaux during his illness: The entire staff at Kaiser Permanente in Gardena & Harbor City. Dr. Patrick Lemm, Dr. Bouzaglou, nurse Kingsley Ezeibe and Dr. Roslyn Chaisanguanthum, Tawanna Moore and Gladys Gomez of Kaiser Pharmacy. We’d also like to thank dedicated friends and confidants: Reginald Morris, Mike Feniston, Joe Copeland, Mark Wade, Doug Stewart, Dr. Benjamin Monroe, William Spiller, Errol Meadoux, Ronald McClurkin, Micheal Lewis, Gail Henderson, Mary Lewis, Highland Crittendon and Reelice Holmes. The Landreaux family would also like extend personal appreciation to friends, neighbors, family members, former players, coaches – anyone who called, sent cards, offered prayers and words of support during Coach Landreaux’s illness. We’re beyond grateful for the extensive circle of friends and family that helped us during this very difficult time. We are forever indebted to you for your phenomenal grace and love.