Paul Sidney Guilbeau, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. He was 85 years old.
Born on January 29, 1941, in Broussard, Louisiana, Paul was the son of the late Fils Guilbeau and Lelia Bourque Guilbeau.
Family was the center of Paul's life. He cherished his beloved wife, Betty, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Their union was blessed with three children, and over the years they found great joy in watching their family grow to include 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with one expected in August.
Paul was a simple man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was the rock of his family—a steady source of strength, wisdom, and love. He was known as a fishing buddy, card player, and jokester whose presence could brighten any gathering. Whether casting a line in hopes of catching fish for a family meal, Paul found happiness in the outdoors and in sharing those moments with loved ones.
He also enjoyed spending time around the card table with family and friends. He played all sorts of card games but especially loved bourrée and cadillac. With an ice-cold beer in hand and a joke always ready to tell, Paul created countless memories that will be treasured for generations. His home was a place of laughter, fellowship, and love, and those fortunate enough to gather there were blessed by his warm spirit and generous heart.
Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that Paul has entered into eternal rest. We will miss him dearly, but we hold close the promise that one day we will be reunited with him and all those who have gone before us in the heavenly kingdom. Until that day, may he rest in peace.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend of 60 years, Betty Ronsonet Guilbeau; his children, Keith Guilbeau (Andree), Shane Guilbeau (Desirae) and Dawn Guilbeau Mayon (Nicholas); eight grandchildren, Kelby Guilbeau (Jen), Gage Guilbeau, Nicholas Guilbeau (Taylor), Taran Guilbeau, Jacob Guilbeau, Rivers Mayon, Seth Guilbeau, and Shawn Guilbeau; and a host of nieces, nephews and godchildren.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings; M/M Travis Guilbeau, M/M Henry Guilbeau, M/M Emile Guilbeau, Lillian Dugas, Electa Granger, M/M Sidney Guilbeau, M/M Fils Guilbeau and Mary Deslatte.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Paul's life will be held at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Keith Landry will serve as celebrant. Following the Mass, Paul will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. dismissal with the Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m.
Serving as pallbearers are Keith Guilbeau, Shane Guilbeau, Kelby Guilbeau, Shawn Guilbeau, Charlie Guilbeau, and Ryan Ronsonet.
The family invites relatives and friends to share their condolences and memories by visiting Paul's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
