J.L. Mallett Sr.

J.L. Mallett Sr., longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center at the age of 84. He was born in Opelousas on February 2, 1930. J.L. was a local businessman, owning Hopper’s Drive-in, a South Louisiana chain of restaurants; being part-owner with his mother of Thomas Scrap Material; and owner of Thomas Pipe and Steel before retiring. He was a former member of The Knights of Columbus, and participated in fundraising for St. Louis King of France Catholic Church. J.L. enjoyed many hobbies including golf, bridge, and hunting. He loved spending time with family and friends, and was a very caring husband and father. J.L. was known for having a great sense of humor, and his hospitality was second to none. He was so inviting that if you came to the house, no matter who you were, he would fix you a meal. His kind spirit will be missed dearly. J.L. is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sylvia Mitchell Mallett; children, Inger V. Payne, Kim R. Kralemann, Mona M. Tobias and her husband Mark, Joseph L. Mallett Jr. and his wife Kellyanne, and Jill P. Tate; 19 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sisters, Jeanne Gayler, and Sonja LeBlanc and her husband Rex; and brother, Patrick Mallett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Mallett and Patience Thomas, and his daughter, Mindy M. Mallett. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 10:00 am until the funeral service begins at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Derrick Payne, Garret Payne, L.J. Tobias, Tanner Tate, Christian Mallett and Joshua Mallett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in J.L.’s name to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at www.marybird.org. Online condolences may be placed at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.