Robert Jude Gaspard, Sr.

Robert Jude Gaspard, Sr., age 87, passed peacefully in his sleep at home in Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Link Gaspard, his parents, Merlin Desire Gaspard, Sr. and Marguerite Burges Gaspard, his sister, Gladys Laville, his twin brothers, Merlin D. Gaspard, Jr. and Melvin Gaspard, and his grandson, Griffin Eliot Gaspard.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Gaspard Johnson (Bruce) of Prattville, AL; his son, Robert J. Gaspard, Jr. (Melissa) of Phoenix, AZ; his five grandchildren, Blake Ashton Johnson (Lexy), Gabrielle Elizabeth Gaspard, Grayson Eli Gaspard, Robert Dean Johnson (Abby), and Gage Ethan Gaspard; his great granddaughter, Cali Wren Johnson (Dean and Abby); and many beloved nieces and nephews that he enjoyed immensely.

Robbie graduated in 1957 from Warren Easton High School and briefly attended Louisiana State University. He joined the Army and was honorably discharged from the Louisiana National Guard in September of 1963. In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne. They were married for nearly 60 years until her passing in 2021. He started working at a young age at Carter’s Drug Store during his high school years. He then worked as a carman for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, where he retired with 40 years of service. Robbie had an entrepreneurial spirit and ran a carpet installation business until the time of his retirement.

In 1997, he and Jeanne moved to Carriere, MS to make their new home near Anchor Lake and to enjoy their retirement. Robbie had a deep passion for his hobbies: rebuilding antique cars and collecting model trains, race cars, and model airplanes. He also loved all things golf, playing it or watching it. He enjoyed passing time sitting on his boat deck while watching the sunsets. He was blessed to sip his wife’s delicious homemade lemonade and sweet teas while also having the ability to swing his tools and fix anything that was broken. He was also quick to help his family, friends, and neighbors; it gave him great pleasure to lend a helping hand. He cherished deep conversations about finances, historical events, the New Orleans Saints football team, or any sport his grandchildren were participating in while living in Alabama or Arizona. He named his truck after his grandson Blake and his boat after his granddaughter Elle. Robbie was very proud of the homes he built and the life he provided for his family. There was always a seat open at his dinner table, and thankfully his wife was an extraordinarily talented cook and knew the exact temperature he preferred his dishes: extra hot.

Robbie and Jeanne relocated to Timeless Grace in 2021 to live their remaining years. Robbie was greatly cared for by the entire staff. Robbie will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but our hearts are comforted in knowing he is once again with his sweetheart Jeanne.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 12:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00AM. The interment will follow the Mass at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robert’s memory to a charitable foundation that helps families offset the costs of Catholic school, The Griffin E. Gaspard Foundation at 535 E. Alice Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85020.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com