Dalton "Kippy" L. Babineaux III

NEW IBERIA – It is with deep sadness that the Babineaux family announces the passing of Dalton Lawrence Babineaux, III, affectionately known as “Kippy.” A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Kippy Babineaux, age 64, on Friday, September 4th, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 2:00 pm with Very Reverend William C. Blanda, V.F. officiating. Interment will be held privately at a later date at his cemetery, Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family requests that visitation be observed on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a rosary prayed at 6:00 pm. The funeral home will reopen on Friday, September 4th, 2026, at 10:00 am until 1:30 pm.

Cherishing Kippy’s memories are his beloved “bride” of thirty-six years, Reneeʹ Michel Simon Babineaux; his two lovely daughters, Shelby Kate Babineaux and Sydney Reneeʹ Babineaux; his sister Simone Babineaux; his brother Robert Babineaux; and ten nieces and two nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dalton Lawrence “Susu” Babineaux, Jr. and Lois Dugas Babineaux; two sisters, Nicole Babineaux and Renee’ B. O’Brien; maternal grandparents, Dennis and Corrinne Wiltz Dugas and paternal grandparents, Dalton Lawrence Babineaux, Sr. and Mabel David Babineaux.

Born and raised in New Iberia and Cypremort Point, he treasured his days playing football at Catholic High School and lived it up during his time at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He honored his family’s legacy as the third-generation owner of Babineaux Marble and Granite and Memorial Park Cemetery along with his sister, Nicole Babineaux. Although he humbly referred to himself as a “grave digger,” he was much more than that. His innovative spirit and resourceful nature led him to becoming a prominent stonemason in Southwest Louisiana. Kippy honed his craft and took immense pride in every project he accomplished. His monumental achievements include designing and building mausoleums and tombs in cemeteries from Lake Charles to Houma. His exceptional marble and granite installations in your homes, churches, and schools stand the test of time and will forever cement his legacy.

An LSU alumna by choice, he cherished his fighting Tigers and rarely missed a football game. He sat in the same seat in Death Valley for 29 years with all his best friends nearby. Cypremort Point also held a very special place in his heart, as he grew up spending every summer at his family’s camp and lived there for a stint as a young bachelor. Kippy was a talented fisherman and won multiple trophies along with his fishing crew, including holding the record for catching one of the largest Cubera Snapper. As a member of the Cypremort Point Yacht Club, he loved to go for a joy ride to check on his boat and his people.

Beloved by all, Kippy was a pillar of his community and a devout Catholic. He lived his faith, as he passed the basket at St. Peter’s Catholic Church every Sunday at six pm and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Christmas was his favorite holiday and Hallmark movie genre. Like him, Christmas is about being full of hope, spirited generosity, and most importantly bringing loved ones together.

To know Kippy, was to love Kippy. Flashing those dimples, he could befriend anyone and lit up every room he entered. Kippy had a sixth sense of knowing just when you needed someone and would check in on you with a visit, call, or text. He made you feel his love in his own language through stories and sayings to make you laugh and make your day. With a listening ear and words of wisdom, he had a way of making you feel seen and heard like no one else could. Knowing exactly what to say and what to do to break the ice, ease the tension, or lighten the mood when it was “gettin’ too serious.”

Working in the funeral business, Kippy knew all too well how precious time was. He understood what it means to truly live, the importance of laughter, and most of all how to love with his whole heart. Tomorrow was always going to be a better day, no matter what he faced the day before. Kippy would always say he was a terrible judge of character, but that simply was not true. He believed the best in all of us, even on our darkest days and especially when we didn’t deserve it. He challenged us to see what he saw in us – the best version of ourselves.

Kippy’s family was at the center of his world. He did everything and more to provide and be there for his ‘bride,” his “girls,” and all of his adopted children. His love knew no bounds and never wavered. He was always there no matter what – every game, practice, holiday, and home-cooked meal - with a festive Hawaiian for every occasion. Kippy was the life of every party, the anchor of his countless friend groups, and the heart of our family.

He was a devoted husband, cherished father, giving son, generous brother, loving uncle, and solid friend that will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Ever-present, inherently thoughtful, always reliable, steadfast in his love, positive in his outlook, generous of spirit, full of humor and hope, and compassion towards all.

Truly one of a kind, Kip-a-rip was a legend in his own time. He will live on through his hilarious stories, “kipisms,” and unforgettable memories we will all hold dear. When you find yourself missing our guy, watch a Hallmark movie, spin a record of the trinity of brothers (Allman, Doobie, and Isley), call someone with a cute story to “make them laugh,” visit someone who needs an ear to listen, do a “solid” for someone who needs a favor, and hold the ones you love close. WWKD.

Pallbearers will be Tony Knatt, Jim Simon, Paul Sapienza, Troy Comeaux, Charlie Segura, and Warner Simon. Honorary pallbearers will be Dwayne “Bud” Farris, Warren “Puggy” Moity, Eldridge “Buck” Phillips, Reneʹ Simon, Robert Babineaux, and Craig Girouard.

The family extends a special thanks to his cherished friends and the New Iberia community for all their prayers and support during his illness. The family would also like to express appreciation to the medical staff at Lafayette General, University Medical Center in New Orleans, and Carpenter House in Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Conservation Association in memory of Kippy Babineaux.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the Babineaux family by visiting Kippy’s memorial at www.evanglinenewiberia.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.