Wilson "Bill" AKA "Pops" Stevens

"Bill passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center at the age of 81 years. Bill was a native of Laurel, Miss. and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. He was an accomplished student and athlete in high school and during his time at L.S.U., where he earned a dual degree in chemical and petroleum engineering. While attending L.SU., Bill held a number of leadership roles with the Army R.O.T.C., and enjoyed competing on the golf course. Afterward, Bill enjoyed a 40+ year career with his first and only employer "“ Halliburton. He traveled the world during his 40+ year career working in refineries, chemical plants, oil fields, board rooms, and even a "secret" space shuttle launch site in California. After retiring, Bill found time for what would become his most satisfying achievements, caring for and loving his beautiful wife, Lois, and connecting with his growing family, and friends. Bill found time to show his love in many ways, but particularly through his ministry to feed the masses of his family. He enjoyed fishing for speckled trout with his friends, and because he was always fascinated with solving problems, Bill decided that he could "engineer" a better fishing rod than he and his buddies could buy commercially "“ so he did. His rod designs were used by professional anglers and his techniques were published in national trade journals. Bill "Pops" will be missed by many - he was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Schmidt Landaiche Stevens; parents, Franklin Eugene Stevens and Claire Buckley Stevens. Bill is survived by seven children, Suzette Hoffman and husband Thomas, Todd Stevens and wife Kelli, Jeanie Buell and husband Mike, Vicki Waters and husband Jim, Francis "Buddy" Landaiche, Jr. and wife Lilly, David Stevens and wife Chandra "C.J." and Cheryl Ruffner; a sister, Sandra Burns; a brother, Morris Lee "Buddy Stevens; twenty-five grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, September 8, 2017, 9:30 a.m. until the mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Fr. Jerry Martin. Interment will follow in Oak Lane Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Patrick Ruffner, Brian Hoffman, Justin Buell, Casey Hoffman, Brad Landaiche, Francis "Beau" Landaiche, III, and Ed Sexton. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Buell, Andrew Roberts, Eric Waters, and Harry Pizzolata. A special thanks to Shelia Burgess and her "prayer warriors" and all care givers, and to the physicians and nurses of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Memorial contributions may be made to the Baton Rouge Food Bank.