Join us in prayer as we keep this family before the Lord as they commemorate their loved ones life and legacy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Nativity on Tally Street in Campti, LA Friday, October 4, 2024, 11:00 a. m. with burial following in the church's cemetery.  The casketed remains will lie in state at the church for public visitation that morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m.

LAWRENCE COUTEE, JR.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing

2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

The patriarch of our family Lawrence Coutee, Jr., peacefully completed his earthly journey on September 24, 2024, at 9:18 p.m. at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center in Natchitoches, LA, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Lawrence was born on September 18, 1933, in Campti, Louisiana, to the loving union of the late Lawrence and Louvenia Howard Coutee.

Lawrence was a direct descendant of the founding families of Cane River and Campti, including Jean Baptiste Brevelle, for whom Isle Brevelle was named. His connection to his roots was reflected in the values he carried-hard work, devotion to family, good humor, and unwavering faith.

He was reared near the peaceful waters of Clear Lake, alongside his nine siblings. It was there that he learned the skills of fishing, hunting, and trapping from his father-skills that would serve him throughout his life.

A devout Catholic acknowledging Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Lawrence was one of the eldest parishioners of the church. He served faithfully, attending early morning Mass every Sunday until his health declined.

Affectionally known to his family and friends as "Bagoo," Lawrence was the steady, calm presence at the center of his family, a man who lived with quiet strength, direct honesty, and a deep sense of responsibility.

An industrious worker from an early age, Lawrence helped support his parents and siblings. Later he made a living working at Western Kraft Paper Mill as a construction foreman, and with T. L. James Construction and Louisiana Paving companies as a cement finisher in the highway construction industry across Louisiana and neighboring states. After his retirement, he continued as a self-employed cement contractor teaching his sons the trade. Whether he was fixing things around the house, working on cars, or teaching his sons the art of hunting and fishing, Lawrence was always busy, always giving, always thinking ahead for his family. Even into his nineties, his fierce independence and tireless work ethic kept him active and on the move.

In 1952, Lawrence married Beulah Mae Rogers and to this union nine children were born: Helen LaCour of LaPorte, TX; Betty Christophe Fagbeyiro of Shreveport, LA; Joe Coutee (Lynn) of Baytown, TX;

Lawrence Coutee, III (Brenda) of Katy, TX; Delbra Speller (William "Bill") of Cartersville, GA; Theo Coutee, Andrea Below (James), Pedro Coutee (Villetta), all of Natchitoches, LA; and Rodrick Coutee of Pearland, TX. He later united with Mary Joe (Marie) Thomas, and they raised six children: Lester Thomas (Vernita), Jimmy Thomas (Julie), Joe Thomas (Pam); all of Natchitoches, LA; Alice Lewis (Michael) of Clarence, LA: Debra Lofton (James) of Allen, LA; and Rosie Donaway (Carlos) of Shreveport, LA.

He is preceded in death by Mary Joe Thomas, Lawrence, and Louvenia Howard Coutee, and nine beloved siblings: Ivory Mae Coutee, Zettye Legardy, Eugene Telsea, Joseph Coutee, Lester Coutee, Maggie Bush, Mary Jo Vaughn, Julia Telsee, and Gladys Flanders.

His precious memory will be cherished by those who survive him, including Beulah Mae Coutee, his sister Mae Collins, 15 children, 50 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.