Lawrence Harelson Jr.

Lawrence Joseph Harelson, Jr, a resident of Iberville, Louisiana, was born on November 4, 1928 and passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at his home on Bayou Paul Road. He was born in Baton Rouge but when LJ was 4 years old, the family took the very long trip from Baton Rouge down the dusty River Road to scenic Bayou Paul. He loved Bayou Paul and lived there until the time of his death.

LJ was a graduate of St. Gabriel High School. He served in the US Army post-WW II rebuilding Europe and honorably discharged at the rank of Private First Class. LJ was the recipient of the Army Occupation of Germany Medal.

LJ retired as an electrician from Ormet Corporation in Burnside, Louisiana. He was also a dedicated man of the earth: rancher, cattleman, hunter and fisherman. Always the famous storyteller, LJ especially loved weaving the latest adventure stories to his nephews, the tale of the Beast of Bayou Paul.

He was the ultimate trainer leading young boys to become the successful men they are today.

Did he have a well researched opinion about a broad range of subjects? You can always count on hearing it.

LJ maintained membership in St. Gabriel Catholic Church, charter membership in the Knights of Columbus Council #3796, the American Legion Post #312, Louisiana Cattleman’s Association and the National Rifle Association.

The consummate history buff, LJ wrote Memories-A Hard Road But a Pleasant Journey Growing Up in Bayou Paul, detailing life in Bayou Paul from 1932 to 2004.

LJ is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Carolyn Ann Pilant Himel Harelson; a son Ralph Himel; grandchildren T-Jon (Michelle) Himel, Ashlie (Michael) Villar, Dustin Himel & Alan Himel; great-grandchildren: Coy and Calleigh Himel and Brant and Ava Villar; and sisters-inlaw, Shirley H. Harelson and Lillian N. Harelson Holliday.

LJ was preceded in death by his parents, LJ Harelson Sr. and Daisy Isabelle LeBeouf Harelson; his sister, Daisy Belle Harelson Cannon; and brothers, Webb L. Harelson, David Stanley (Bootsee) Harelson and Timothy Harelson; and godmother Alice Harelson Pecquet.

A very special thank you to our very dear Nadine Buggage whose unwavering compassionate care for the last few years kept LJ comfortable in his home environment. Nadine is a true gift sent to us from above and now a permanent member of the family.

Services will be at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 22 from 9am until funeral services at 11am. Entombment will follow in the church mausoleum.

From his memoir regarding the death of his beloved brother Bootsee, LJ writes “My thoughts are LOVE YOUR FAMILY WHILE THEY ARE ALIVE AND REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND CHERISH THE MEMORIES.”