Charles Eugene Settoon Sr.

Charles Eugene Settoon, also known as “Mr. Charlie,” “Pops,” and “Eugene,” passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born August 7, 1931, in Natalbany, LA to Earl Eugene Settoon and Eva Wilkins Settoon. Charlie spent most of his childhood in St. Francisville where he cherished his role as big brother to his three sisters—Mary Vivian “Sister,” Patsy Ruth, and Lois Ann. Growing up amid the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II shaped his outlook and habits for the rest of his life. As a young boy, he collected metal, paper and rubber to support the war effort and attended the two-room Julius Freehan schoolhouse from first grade through his eleventh grade graduation.

Charlie proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant as an airplane mechanic. After returning home, he attended LSU and graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He then began what would become a remarkable 38-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-New Orleans District, retiring in 1997. Over the course of his work, he played vital roles in preventing the loss of the Old River Control Structure during the 1973 flood, surveying Hurricane Betsy damage, and becoming a nationally respected expert in construction cost estimating for major flood-control projects—including locks, dams, levees, and dredging. He was honored as the World Dredging Association’s 1991 Dredger of the Year and awarded the Society of American Military Engineers’ distinguished “Fellow” medal.

Deeply civic-minded, Charlie devoted countless hours to organizations including the East Gentilly Lions Club, Joe Brown playground, N.O. District Federal Credit Union —where he served as President for 20 years— the American Legion, the St. Philip Neri Men’s Club, the Republican Party, the Pachyderm Club, and the D-Day Museum as a founding member.

In 1982, he married the “the heart of my heart” Debbie Mabile —an event he said was “one of the greatest achievements of my life.” Together they shared 43 years of devoted marriage, building their own home and later cruising into retirement.

Charlie was blessed with five children whom he adored: Charles E. Settoon, Jr. (Katherine), Clinton Settoon (Ronni), Clifford Settoon (Danielle), Eugene Settoon (Kara), and Christine Settoon. His five children blessed him with ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Kate (Charles); Mason, Codi, and Travis (Clint); Blake, Lindsey, and Grant (Clifford); Shea, Feena, and Clare (Gene); and Magnolia (Mason).

Charlie lived by the motto “work hard, play hard – and be nice to other people.” His outgoing personality, warm loyalty, and unmistakable cackling laugh made him unforgettable. Known for giving friends and acquaintances affectionate nicknames, he collected friendships everywhere he went. His love for LSU began at age 12 as a Boy Scout usher at home games and continued throughout his life. He became a season ticket holder in 1958 and proudly attended games in Tiger Stadium until the age of 90—never leaving before the final second of the fourth quarter. Family legend holds that he was the oldest continuous season ticket holder.

One of his favorite traditions, now a treasured family legacy, was “Restin’ in Destin,” where in 1977, he famously caught a 318-lb Atlantic blue marlin. Each spring, he and Debbie hosted a beloved crawfish boil for over 100 friends, capping the evening with bananas foster.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Eva Settoon; his sister Mary Vivian; brothers-in-law Don Rogillio and Vince Massimini; niece Mendy Owens; and many cherished first cousins and friends.

Visitation will be at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11am, preceded by visitation at 10am. A private burial will follow at Ponchatoula Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the United Services Organization (the USO), P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077-7677 in Charlie’s memory.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.