What God said to this beloved man as he entered Heaven peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. John was a man whose life was defined by his generous heart and unconditional love – for his family, God and community. He never passed up an opportunity to help where help was needed for family, friend or stranger. Those who knew him will remember the joy he found in the simplest of things, the wisdom he imparted so subtle that it wasn’t realized until you needed it and his humor that was realized only if you listened! He treasured time and spent it wisely – attending every sporting event, recital, grandparent’s day, graduation, birthday parties for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He built cherished memories for them with his beautiful wife, Susie, and continued after her passing, for 70 years. This city boy, born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1934, met a country girl from Baker, LA while lifeguarding and the story began. John graduated from Baton Rouge High and LSU then later opened his own public accounting firm in 1964. He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church where he was Trustee and a Eucharistic Minister. He loved hunting, fishing and birdwatching hence the frequent “vacations” to Grand Isle, Fourchon, Llano, TX or Mexico. He and Susie had four children – Jennifer (Bruce) Cucullu, Michelle (Jerry) Paige, Mary Sue (Henry) Goudeau and Tim (Jeanne) Butler. They had eight grandchildren – Jake (Tracey) Paige, Luke (Amanda) Paige, Deede Paige, Aubrey (Mickey) DeJohn, Beau (Kaylea) Cucullu, Justin (Morgan) Butler, Kathleen (Vincent) Dovichi and Theresa Stages. There are also eight great-grandchildren – Kate and Grant Paige, Ava Paige, Enslea and Braxton Cucullu, Megan Paige, Adler DeJohn and Mason Butler. He was preceded in death by his bride, Kathleen “Susie” Ory, parents Morris and Theresa Butler and brother Morris, Jr. as well as numerous aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins and nephews that he’s catching up with now. His family thanks his caregivers and nurse, Tina, who loved and cared for him these past two years. Visitation will be at Central Funeral Home from 4-7PM on Monday, Oct 12th continuing at St. Isidore Catholic Church on Tuesday, Oct 13th from 9AM until funeral mass at 10:30AM. Burial at Greenoaks Cemetery on Florida Blvd. Pallbearers will be John’s grandsons, great-grandsons and Carl Stages, Jr.
