James W. Langlois

A native of New Roads and a resident of Baton Rouge since 1946, he was the 11th child, born Nov. 2, 1921, to John B. Langlois and Louisa Garon Langlois. He passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in his home at age 87. A graduate of Poydras High School in New Roads, he attended LSU, then entered the U.S. Maritime Service. He was a World War II veteran with the Merchant Marines and a graduate of the Merchant Marine Officers Training School in Alameda, Calif. He became a senior lieutenant in the Maritime Service with a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Mate license. During World War II, he served proudly, delivering vital war supplies and aviation fuel for war planes. He survived enemy submarine attacks including torpedo hits on many ships in his convoys throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. An Exxon refinery retiree with 35 years of service, he was a mechanical supervisor in the construction department. He was a member of the Fleur-de-Lis Exxon Annuity Club and Villa del Rey Citizens Association. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Florence Bello Langlois; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen "Kathy" L. Penn and husband, Danny, Baton Rouge, Sonya L. Prejean and husband, Mike, Brusly; four sons and daughters-in-law, James W. Langlois Jr. and wife, Jeanie "J.J.", Rosedale, Larry J. Langlois and wife, Jeannie, Baton Rouge, Mel A. Langlois and wife, Cindi, Lakeland, and Ted P. Langlois and wife, Windy, Lakeland; 14 grandchildren, Jené Penn Green, Wesley Penn and wife Laura, Ryan Penn and wife Christi, Krystal Penn Pertuit and husband Eric, all of Baton Rouge, Marie Langlois, Durham, N.C., Claire Langlois, Baton Rouge, Dallas Langlois, Lakeland, Chad Prejean, Lafayette, Kayla Prejean, Brusly, Nicholas, Lyndsey, Carly, Elizabeth and Joshua Langlois, Lakeland; three great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Emma and James Green, Baton Rouge; a sister, Laura Mae Burch, Lake Jackson, Texas; a sister-in-law, Iris Langlois, Maurepas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Louisa Garon Langlois; four sisters, Lucille Baum, Netta Guerin, Emma Davis and Ethel Guidroz; five brothers, Allie, Howard, Cecil, Harry and Leo Langlois. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Jan. 23, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., concelebrated by the Rev. Jack Nutter and the Rev. David Allen. Burial in False River Memorial Park, New Roads. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Wesley and Ryan Penn, Chad Prejean, Nicholas Langlois and Dallas Langlois; and good friend and neighbor, Dale Lemoine. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charities of your choice.