Sterling J Fryou Sr.

Sterling was a local legend. He was the “Bayou Man,” as proclaimed by a song written for him and performed by him on local radio. Born on a houseboat on Four Mile Bayou, he was a life-long commercial fisherman on the South Louisiana bayous. Sterling was devoted to his beautiful wife, Pat, for over 64 years, and he looked forward to their reunion in heaven. He was also a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. He loved his family and would beam with pride as he talked about them to anyone.

Sterling was active in the community during his long and meaningful life. He and his wife Pat were members of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia for over 50 years and gave countless hours to church activities including serving as Eucharist Ministers. Sterling earned a fourth degree in the St. Andrew Catholic Church Knights of Columbus. Sterling and Pat also volunteered at the local AARP chapter and owned several businesses that were staples in the community. Sterling was honored to serve as St. Mary Parish District 8 Councilman for 8 years.

Sterling loved to bass fish, especially with his beloved brother Billy, and won several tournaments. Sterling loved classic country music and to sing, dance, and play guitar. When he could not be found at restaurants around town singing karaoke, he was probably at home on his own karaoke machine. Tending to his bountiful vegetable garden was his passion.

Sterling is survived by his children; Charlene Patureau and her husband Jeff of Amelia, Sterling J. Fryou, Jr. and his wife Connie of Amelia, Terri Barrilleaux and her husband Chris of Cumming, GA; his grandchildren Lisa Patureau and Ludger Couvillion, Eric Patureau and his wife Catherine, Sydney Barrilleaux, Ethan Barrilleaux, Reid Barrilleaux, and Dallas Istre; his great-grandchildren Zane Griffin and Hannah Ebbecke, Michael Griffin, Michael Patureau, Ava Patureau, Cody Istre and his wife Emily, Blayten Istre and his wife Jamie, and Garrett Istre and his wife Belle, Addilynn, Isabella, and Vivian Istre; his siblings Curtis Fryou, Judy Lacoste, Cleveland Fryou, and Roy Fryou; and his second family, The Tabor Family. Pallbearers will be Jeff Patureau, Eric Patureau, Chris Barrilleaux, Zane Griffin, Michael Griffin, and Blayten Istre.

Sterling was greeted in heaven by his beautiful wife Pat, his parents Bertha and Clarence Fryou, his bonus mother and father Lessie and Allen Louis Tabor, and 11 siblings.

The family will accept visitors at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia from 8:30 - Noon on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon by Fr. Joseph Chacko. Following the Mass, Sterling will be laid to rest in the St. Andrew Catholic Church Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to St. Andrew Catholic Church.

A Heart of Gold

A heart of gold stopped beating

Working hands at rest

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best

Leaves and flowers may wither

The golden sun may set

But the hearts that loved you dearly

Are the ones that won’t forget.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.