Clay Calhoun

Clay Joseph Calhoun, Jr of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, at the age of 78. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Clay led a remarkable life of accomplishments, compassion, and a deep love for his family and fellow man.

A voracious reader with an inquisitive nature, Clay excelled at Jesuit High School, the University of Notre Dame, Tulane Law School, and the Tulane School of Social Work. Leveraging his experience as a federal judicial clerk and Assistant U.S. District Attorney, he became a renowned mental health and criminal defense attorney in his private practice in Clinton, Louisiana. At one point, Clay was among the few Louisiana lawyers certified to defend capital murder cases. Despite the gravity of his responsibilities, Clay found joy in safeguarding the constitutional rights of his clients. His contributions to the legal profession and his fellow citizens are still felt today, including his role as one of the authors of Louisiana’s law for the forensic psychiatric aftercare of nonviolent patients.

Clay's life was not about his professional achievements. He had a deep passion for the arts, literature, music, traveling, and sailing, which brought him immense joy and enriched his life. But above all, his family and friends were his greatest sources of happiness. His kind heart, gracious ways, and genuine love for others endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Clay is survived by his ex-wife Pamela Westbrook Calhoun of Baton Rouge and their loving daughters, Courtney Morman of Birmingham, AL, and Georgiana Calhoun of Lake Charles, LA. He also leaves behind his sister, Sybil Calhoun of New Orleans, LA, as well as his cherished granddaughters, Emerson Rose Bradberry of Lake Charles, LA, and Caroline Chase Morman of Birmingham, AL. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Clay was preceded in death by his beloved father, Clay J. Calhoun, Sr., and his mother, Sybil Stevens Calhoun. Their memory will forever be cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, located at 825 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 on Saturday, June 15. The visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Louisiana Mental Health Association, an organization with which Clay was deeply involved and passionately supported.