Robert R. Soileau

Dr. Robert R. Soileau died at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and died two weeks before his 87th birthday. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Friday, Oct. 31, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation at University Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial in Resthaven Gardens of Memory on Monday, Nov. 3, for family members. A resident of Baton Rouge, he was born in Bayou Chicot in Evangeline Parish on Nov. 11, 1921. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in New Guinea, Luzon, Sabu and Japan. He graduated from Louisiana College with a major in history. He earned a bachelor of divinity degree and a doctorate of theology degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also served as a professor of theology at the seminary until 1969 and completed his post doctoral study at Harvard University. In 1972, he received a doctorate of philosophy in sociology from LSU and began a career with the LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension Service. He retired from the AgCenter as director of the LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Program. He was the author of numerous AgCenter publications. His parents, Lastie Soileau and Nellie Kelley Soileau, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lola Fonville Soileau; sister, Effie Naron; two sons, Ted Alan Soileau and his wife, Sherry, and Robert James Soileau; and four grandchildren, Michelle, Laura, Grayson and Julia. Bob lived a life of service to God, country and community. His quick retrieval from memory of what theologians, philosophers and ordinary people said along with his wit and humor will be missed. His goal as a teacher was to teach students to think. His expertise at building furniture for his family will be a long lasting legacy. He delighted in this hobby until a few hours before his death. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Robert R. Soileau Ag Leadership Scholarship Fund may be made. Make a check out to the LSU Foundation and mail to: LSU AgCenter, Ag Leadership, P.O. Box 25100, Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100.