Joseph Richard Boutte

Grand Marais – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Lydia for Joseph Richard Boutte, 80, who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Entombment will follow in St. Nicholas Cemetery in Patoutville.

Rev. Randy Courville will be the Celebrant.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Friday from 8:00 am until 10:15 am.

A rosary, led by Lorita Cruz, will be prayed at 9:00 am on Friday, followed by eulogies.

Joseph Richard Boutte, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on May 13, 1945, to the late Sanders and Isabelle Jeanminette Boutte, and was a 1965 graduate of Henderson High School.

Joe dedicated 30 years of his life to Shell Oil Company, retiring as a Senior Lease Operator.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed fishing, crabbing and hunting, and proudly fulfilled a lifelong dream of elk hunting in Colorado.

Joe was an excellent cook, a self-proclaimed chef who took joy in sharing his creations with everyone. In his kitchen, his dishes became the hallmark of his generous spirit, especially his famous boiled seafood, which he prepared often for many grateful people. After Joe retired, he frequently accompanied his beloved wife, Edna, on her work assignments, quickly earning the reputation of the company chef among her colleagues. Gathering around Joe's table became a cherished ritual, as laughter and stories filled the air, creating an atmosphere warmed by both food and friendship.

His playful humor was another light that shone brightly in Joe's life. Known for telling funny, albeit somewhat risqué jokes that many shouldn’t repeat, his ability to bring laughter into any room made him a treasured companion. The sparkle in his eyes and the joy he radiated will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Joe cherished time spent with family, whether around the dinner table or during adventures in the great outdoors. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. Boutte is survived by his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Edna Collins Boutte; children, Lori Boutte, Erika Dupre (Sherman) of Cypress, Texas, Richard Joseph Boutte, Jr. (Melinda) of Lafayette, and Jules Ford (Tammy) of New Iberia; grandchildren, Rivers Boutte, Reece Boutte, Quintin Jackson, Ty Dupre, Emerson Dupre, Brooke Ford, Coryn Ford, and Ethan Ford; siblings, Samuel “Ned” Boutte (Barbara) of New Iberia, Elsie Boutte Dixon (Clarence) of Los Angeles, CA and Diane Francis (Norman, Sr.) of Inglewood, CA; and sister-in-law, Edna Z. Boutte of New Iberia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Sanders “June” Boutte, Jr., and Gerald Eugene Boutte, Sr. (Jeannie).

Pallbearers will be Rivers Boutte, Reece Boutte, Ty Dupre, Kevin Boutte, Ryan Boutte, and Gerald Boutte, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Sherman Dupre, Norman Francis, Sr., Clarence Dixon, Samuel Boutte, Whitney Jeanminette, Bradley Kerlegon, and Ethan Ford.

Joe’s laughter and love will remain in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).