Francis Robert LaFleur

A retired LA D.O.T.D. Illustrator and resident of Baton Rouge, Francis passed away at Capitol House, Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. He was 75 and a native of Evergreen. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, on Saturday, May 21st, from 5 pm until 8 pm. Visitation will resume on Monday, May 23rd, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 409 St. John St., Bunkie, LA from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Desimone. Entombment will follow in St. Alphonsus Mausoleum, Hessmer, LA. Francis is survived by his wife, Evelyn Watts LaFleur; sister, Jackie LaFleur Bell and husband John Gary Bell, of Little Rock, AR; niece, Jessica Peterson; nephew, Ben Bell; brother-in-law, Michael Peter Watts and wife Angela Dupont Watts, of Plaquemine, LA; nieces, Theresa Delaune and Catherine Gill; nephews, Michael, Jr., Simon and Matthew Watts; and in-laws, Wilton Joseph Watts and Jeanette Villemarette Watts. Francis and Evelyn did not have children of their own but had many godchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who were very much like their own. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Francis LaFleur and Hazel Descant LaFleur. He was a graduate of St. Anthony Elementary School, Bunkie High School and Delgado Community College and had attended LA College in Pineville. He served as an altar server at St. Anthony Church, was a member of Knights of Columbus and the Rosary group, and was a committed adorer and substitute at the Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Francis adored his wife and best friend, Evelyn, who were married for 45 years. He was known to go up to strangers and friends alike and strike up a conversation with a genuine heart, ending with "Is there anything I can do for you?" He will be missed by so many hearts he touched. In lieu of flowers, masses may be offered in his honor.