Archer Joseph Coleman

Many things can be said about Archer Joseph Coleman. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Archer was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Archer was born to Edward and Maryanne Coleman on April 18, 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana. When he was young, Archer's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Archer demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Archer grew up with two older brothers, Eric and Bill. Archer was involved in many activities with his family, but he mostly loved fishing with his dad and brothers. They woke up early on Saturday mornings so they would never miss prime feeding time for the fish. Over time, they discovered their favorite fishing spots on Cross Lake. Archer was imaginative, clever, and could remain focused for longer periods. As a preteen, he was always the last to come in from playing outside, as well as never wanting to leave the lake. He would always say, “Just one more bite, Dad – I know I can hook one more bass before we go in!”

Archer was always the most even-tempered of his brothers. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Archer carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Archer was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

The summer before his freshman year in high school, Archer’s family decided to move further south to New Orleans for more opportunities and to be closer to their family in Biloxi. He attended and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1966. Being the new kid is always a challenge, but Archer was able to make friends easily and discovered a new passion for the culinary arts in one of his elective courses. Teachers and classmates knew Archer as an excellent listener and a quick learner.

After high school, Archer attended culinary school at the New Orleans Culinary Institute where he earned his degree. Archer loved all types of cuisine, but classic Cajun spices and southern foods were where he gravitated most. His signature dish was a Mardi Gras pasta with linguine, crawfish, and andouille sausage in a marinara cream sauce.

Always considered a good friend, Archer sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. His friends found him easy to get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Archer met his best friend while in culinary school, Jackson Stonehouse. They of course bonded on their love of cooking, but Jackson was also able to help Archer rediscover his love of fishing after his father passed away. He would eventually become one of Archer’s best men in his wedding as well.

Archer met the love of his life and future wife, Loretta Thornton while working in a restaurant in the early 70s. In the spring of 1975, the two married at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel in New Orleans. Compassionate and devoted, Archer worked hard to make his wife happy. They had big dreams of running their own Cajun style seafood restaurant together, Archer as head chef and Loretta as the face and branding as she had a warm and welcoming image in the community. They were both driven individuals and a powerhouse when they were together.

Archer experienced much success in his work life. In 1980, he opened his own restaurant in New Orleans called Loretta’s on the Bayou. He worked as head chef and Loretta helped manage. He was able to employ his whole family there eventually. His sons and daughters worked as servers and hosts, and his eldest son joined him in the kitchen when he became old enough. Archer took pride in managing his kitchen and was a great leader. Archer led by example and was able to demonstrate initiative and cooperation. After 20 years of the restaurant business, his restaurant had won 2 Michelin Stars for excellent cuisine.

Archer’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Archer shared these values with his four children. He and his wife had two sons, Homer and Devon, and two daughters, Marie and Eloise. Archer was also blessed with two grandchildren, Melrose and Vienna. Having a childlike sense of wonder himself, Archer related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and his stories of the restaurant business.

Because he was organized and methodical, Archer took great pleasure in his hobbies. The restaurant business was demanding, but he always made time to leisure and spend quality time with his family. His number one pastime for fun and relaxation continued to be fishing even after he retired from the restaurant, and he often carried his catches to the frying pan as a means of coordinating his two passions. He even participated in a few tournaments, and won the Louisiana Fly Fishing State Championship twice in a row.

Archer’s faith was equally as important to him as his career and family. He was a member of first Baptist Church Metairie and served as a deacon post retirement. He was compassionate and warm-hearted - someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Archer enjoyed traveling when he could, though business did not often allow much time for this. The few places he went were mostly for teaching seminars in the culinary field. He travelled to Vegas and New York for a Good Morning America segment. When he did have the off time, his favorite place to travel however, was Biloxi, Mississippi, as he had visited extended family there many times when he was young, and it felt comfortable to him.

Being the focused and organized person that he was, Archer had taken care to plan for his retirement. He and Loretta retired together and passed down the ownership to their oldest son Homer, who had shared his father’s love of cooking from a young age. In retirement, he continued to find pleasure what he always knew and loved, now in a more casual setting. He and Loretta often had family over on the weekends, and they organized several cookouts and BBQs multiple times a year. They also began hosting an annual crawfish boil that doubled as a family reunion each year in late July. Even in retirement, Archer continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He remained active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Archer passed away on May 2, 2020 at Tulane Medical Center. He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta, and their four children and two grandchildren. Archer was laid to rest in Lafayette Cemetery in New Orleans.

Throughout his life, Archer was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, and tender hearted. Archer leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships, and cherished memories of wonderful food and company. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Archer Joseph Coleman.