Elby John Billeaudeau

Elby J. Billeaudeau was born September 9, 1939 in Grand Prairie, Louisiana, where his parents, Frank and Rose, were share croppers. He learned early to work hard, hunt, and have fun where ever it could be found. His parents were diligent to raise their children in the Catholic faith and to love and respect the Lord. His faith carried him throughout his life and flowed out to others. He regularly blessed the meal at family gatherings, always remembering to pray for “those who walk in harm’s way”. One of five children, two brothers, Alfred and Frank, and two sisters, Neva and Judy, preceded him in death. Roy (Mary Beth) Billeaudeau, his brother, survives. Roy and Elby talked regularly on the phone, breaking into French Cajun conversation, catching up on the news, and laughing together. He was close with his many nieces and nephews, Lisa (Spencer), Michelle, and Kim, Karen, and Angela, Marie, Don Andre, Tommy, Phillip, Antone, Lucian, Angela Laura, Gina and Sarah. He esteemed his big brother Frank (Elsa) and missed him greatly after his death.

Elby grew up in Grand Prairie. He loved boxing and in high school became the Louisiana State Golden Gloves Champion twice. He was close to all of his 16 high school classmates through the years. When they were young men, Elby and Frank joined the US Navy. Elby served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He had many adventures, serving on a PT boat on the rivers of the Mekong Delta. Elby was proud of his country, his fellow soldiers, and his military service. He also continued to do some boxing while in the Navy.

He was a prolific reader, often reading a book in a day. He loved western novels. Elby loved people and never met a stranger. He had the gift of hospitality and would cook southern delights for everyone as often as he could. After Vietnam, Elby returned to the South where he was involved in several business ventures, including running a New Orleans restaurant with brother Frank. He loved to dance, especially to Zydeco music. He loved to listen to George Jones sing and watch westerns.

Elby married the woman he adored, Polly James, on May 24, 1997 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. We all have fond memories of happy times together, of joy, love, and laughter. Elby loved his family with his whole heart, and none of us ever doubted it. He will be sorely missed by his wife Polly, sons Randy (Jo Ellen) Braden and Dan Braden, and daughter Torri (Jim) Curtis. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Lindsay (Daryl) Lester, Nathan Braden (Ryan Kopycinski), Ashley (Isaac) Chandler, Andrea (Dan) Husk, Kyle (Krista) Curtis, and Makenzie (Jake) Horne, and great-grandchildren Reagan Lester, Keegan Lester, Evan Husk, and Ava Husk.

Elby is also survived by his sister-in-law Carolyn Lewis, brother-in-law William Poister (Nina Ketron, best friend), William's four daughters Becky (Joe), Cindy (Wendell), Angie, and Diana (Jerry), as well as William's 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. The family remained close, even though miles apart.

Visitation for Elby will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Schoedinger Funeral Services, Worthington, Ohio 43085. The funeral service will follow calling hours at 2:00 PM., 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. A graveside service with military honors will follow at New Cheshire (Berlin Township) Cemetery, 3271 Cheshire Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015.

The family requests memorial contributions be donated in Elby’s memory to the Amyloidosis Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association.