Julian Butaud

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Julian Butaud, 84, who passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Calcutta House of Hospice of Acadiana.

Rev. David Denton will officiate.

Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in New Iberia.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Julian Charles Butaud was born on September 25, 1940, to the late Julian Charles Butaud and Halli Hanna Butaud, and dedicated much of his life to serving others. His family grew up with relatives from Kerrville, Texas, and they would always spend vacations together, exploring new places.

For nine years, Julian served valiantly as a firefighter with the New Iberia Fire Department, a position that defined his courageous spirit. For many years, he was employed by the Iberia Parish School Board as a custodian, where he touched the lives of countless students at North Lewis Elementary with his kindness and warmth. Julian’s love for the community truly shone during his 30-plus years at the New Iberia Recreation Department (NIRD), where he worked at New Iberia City Park. As a supervisor, coach, referee, and a cherished caretaker of the park's facilities, he left his mark on the local sporting scene. Julian’s contributions were acknowledged in 2006 when he was inducted into the NIRD Softball Hall of Fame.

Even after retirement, Julian’s commitment to service did not wane. He remained engaged with various tasks at Quail Tools, where his versatility was as admirable as his character. He spent his later years at Azalea Estates Assisted Living, where he was crowned Valentine King, and subsequently at Belle Teche Nursing Home, always maintaining the cheerful disposition for which he was known.

His faith and spirituality were central to his life, and he was a longstanding, devoted deacon at Highland Baptist Church. The love he received from his fellow church members mirrored the love he gave so freely in return. Julian was not only a spiritual leader but a friend to all who knew him. He believed in the goodness of people and had an infectious smile that brightened the days of those around him. Affectionately known as the "Mayor of Bi-Lo," he could often be seen around town connecting with friends and strangers alike.

Julian was passionate about sports and enjoyed walking at the City Park, where he earned the title of the original "jogger.” Though he never married or had children of his own, his heart was full through his loving relationships with his nieces and nephews, and the deep bond he shared with his sister, Beverly, whom he adored.

Mr. Butaud is survived by brother-in-law, Jay Leger; niece and nephews, Chrys Leger Bouton, Holland Jay Leger (Danielle), Michael Scott Leger (Lyn), and Bryan Hudson; great-nieces, Hanna Lea Bouton, Trinity Renee Leger, and Aubrey Hudson; his Texas family, Susie Gass and her children, Derek and Cody Nelms; Betsy and Paul Colvin and their children, Amy Garth and Beth Easley; and Dr. Wayne and Deanie Ross and their son, Ray Ross.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Butaud Leger; sister-in-law, Lauretta Hudson, and Texas relatives, Becky and Luther Ross.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Robicheaux, Mike Clement, Mike Blanchard, Kevin Dartez, and Keith White.

Special thanks to all who cared for Julian: Highland Baptist Church, Azalea Estates Assisted Living, Belle Teche Nursing Home, Calcutta House, and Hospice of Acadiana.

Julian was a kind and generous man—a gentle soul who never met a stranger and whose life was a testament to the power of love and community connection. May he rest in peace.

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