Compton LaBauve Jr.

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Compton “Cookie” “C.J.” LaBauve Jr., 83, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice in Lafayette. 

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia  

A native and resident of New Iberia, Compton “Cookie” “C.J.” LaBauve Jr. was born on February 23, 1941, to the late Compton Sr. and Elizabeth Couch LaBauve, and he proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force.

One of Cookie’s proudest accomplishments was obtaining his pilot’s license at a young age, sparking a lifelong love for travel. His expertise extended beyond the skies into the realm of law enforcement, where he earned widespread respect as an award-winning sharpshooter and pilot during his career with the Louisiana State Police, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Upon retirement, Cookie became a world-renowned antique expert, earning international recognition for his unparalleled knowledge of Bowie knives and artifacts from the Mexican Revolution. He was so knowledgeable that museums sought out his expertise. Cookie’s passion for history shone brightly at every event he attended.

Cookie was a great cook and he remained active and committed to fitness throughout his life. He didn’t quit rollerblading until he was 75!

In later years, Cookie selflessly gave his time helping those suffering from alcoholism, changing the lives of many.

Mr. LaBauve is survived by three children, Jason LaBauve (Christy), Elizabeth LaBauve and Jennifer LaBauve; grandchildren Sylvia Hsu (Jonathan), Jamie Felipe (Jeff), Samuel Smith (Kim), Dillon Smith (Julie), Allissa Brulla, Alexia Brulla and Lukas Brulla (Kristen); great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Andrew Hsu, Evelyn, Cole and Luke Felipe, Cooper, Sullivan and Molly Smith, Aubrey and Scarlett Smith, Eleanora, Emery and Oliver Martin, Bentlee Beaver, Leo Ross and Elaina Brulla; and a sister Marilyn Hendrix.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Joy Rita Segura, twin brother Andrew LaBauve and William Fullerton.

Cookie was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He lived a great life that he was proud of and learned to laugh along the way. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337-365-3331, is in charge of the arrangements.