John Henry Lastrapes, V, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many; passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the age of 83 due to breathing complications.
Henry was born on December 23, 1941, in Opelousas, LA in the Parish of St. Landry, to parents John Henry Lastrapes IV and Marguerite Bush Lastrapes. Henry is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Carolyn (Lynn) Danner Lastrapes of New Orleans. They were wed on December 28, 1963, having been college sweethearts. He is survived by three sons, John Henry Lastrapes VI (spouse Ashley) of St. Augustine, FL, Daniel Lawrence Lastrapes (spouse Alice) of Baton Rouge, and Jeffrey Noel Lastrapes (spouse Susanna) of Lubbock, TX. Grandchildren are Jay H. Lastrapes (spouse Kirsten), Brent Daniel Lastrapes, and Camille Elisabeth Lastrapes. Henry is also survived by his brother, John Stephen Lastrapes (Sandra) of the Woodlands, TX, and nephew Christopher Lastrapes (Keto).
From a young age, Henry exhibited a deep sense of family and the joy of friendship which he carried to the end of his days. He made lifelong friendships in Opelousas and Beaumont TX while growing up which survived until his passing. Family duty, loyalty, friendship and his Catholic faith were attributes that would define his life and career. He attended college at LSU where he was member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and graduated from Lamar University with a bachelor’s degree before embarking on a career in Insurance.
Henry enjoyed hunting and fishing from a young age and was passionate about supporting any activity in which his wife and three grateful sons chose to participate. He was selfless in his support and every effort he made resulted in the betterment of life for those who knew him and enjoyed the warmth of his company. He will be remembered as the last one to go to bed on Christmas Eve and the first one up on Christmas morning just to see the smiles of his loved ones. He was a naturally talented painter of watercolors and pen and ink drawings and had an encyclopedic knowledge of family history. Most of all, he passes into the loving arms of his revered parents, safe in the expectation of his salvation, while awaiting us all at the point of our own passing. He had a life well lived and a legacy for which he will be forever remembered.
SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS
There will be a visitation at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm. The church is located at 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Following mass there will be interment at the St. George Catholic Church cemetery at 7808 St. George Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70809. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be considered in the honor of John Henry Lastrapes, V to St. Aloysius Catholic Church or to any worthy organization of the person’s choosing.
