MARSHALL A. LAFFITTE

10/10/39 — 7/09/24 Marshall A. Laffitte, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully at his home in Lafayette on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born in Mansfield, Louisiana on October 10, 1939 to Fleming and Lucille (Reed) Laffitte. He graduated from Mansfield High School and married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Smith. They attended and graduated from McNeese University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 1964, while relocating his family to Houston to work as a draftsman for Shell Chemical, he learned of his mother’s failing health and he and his family returned to the Carmel Community in DeSoto Parish to help with her care.

He was a partner in the Laffitte Company (Sawmill) and later purchased the Laffitte Store in Carmel, which he operated for over 30 years. Those who frequented Laffitte Store will remember buying slices of hoop cheese, chopped beef sandwiches, cold beer, and listening to Merle, Johnny, Willie, or Waylon play on the stereo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Marshall Dean Laffitte, and an infant brother, Robert Louis.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gayle Smith Laffitte; son Dave Laffitte and wife Malisa; daughters: Carmen Austin and husband Alex; Andrea LeBouef and husband Neil; grandchildren, Brodie Cordray, Asa Cordray, Reed Laffitte, Alison LeBouef, and step-granddaughter Alexis Austin; and a host of family and friends.

His family will honor his wishes and have a private interment at the Carmel Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Carmel Catholic Cemetery.