The family requests that visitation be observed at the funeral home in St. Martinville from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

A Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Father Jason Vidrine will officiate at the Funeral Service. Readers will be Kellie Champagne and Emily Champagne. Interment will follow at St. Michael Mausoleum in St. Martinville.

Bootsie began working at a very young age, helping his father and brothers on the family farm working in the sugarcane fields up until he began his career in the oilfield, working for Mallard Well Services, Inc. as a supervisor of drilling operations on offshore oil rig platforms (tool pusher) until 1976. He went on to work at the St. Martin Sugar CoOp for many years until his retirement.

Bootsie’s love of animals led him to raise quails, chickens, doves, pigeons, ducks and flocks of sheep. He had a profound knowledge of the soil, planting gardens year-round and tending to his fig trees and satsuma trees. Harvesting time was always special for him as he marveled in the abundance of crops.

He enjoyed watching television, especially daily Mass and his favorite soap operas. In the evening you could often find him watching episodes of his favorite television show South Park. Bootsie was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking.

He had an exceptional memory, recollecting specific details of the days gone by including dates and years of events. His family loved his story telling, it was the best. He never met a stranger and never forgot a name.

Before his illness, Bootsie entrusted a very dear friend, Clint Guidry from Cecilia, LA, to care for his beloved animals, amongst other things around the house. He was so very thankful for Clint’s dedication and hard work.

Above all, Bootsie was a good man, who loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren unconditionally. He always made sure to wish them a “Happy Birthday” on Facebook.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughters, Julia (Nolis) Champagne, Melanie (Keith) Jagneaux, Jessica Boudreaux Devillier, and Maudrey (Todd) Stevens; his brother, Larry (Sandra) Boudreaux, and his sister-in-law Delores Boudreaux; his grandchildren, Jedidiah Jude Champagne, Erick Matthew Trosclair, Courtney Osborn Hebert, Justin Matthew Champagne, Mark Jagneaux, Callie Trosclair Babineaux, Trent Anthony Devillier, Emily Champagne LeBlanc, Joshua Todd Stevens, Jacob Ray Stevens, Michael Joseph Stevens, and Matthew Gary Stevens; his greatgrandchildren, Madison Marie Champagne, Sophie Lynn Hebert, Mason Paul Hebert, Camille Lena Trosclair, Audrey Rose Trosclair, Greyson James Babineaux, Lillian Mae Babineaux, Olivia Mae LeBlanc and Parker Layne LeBlanc.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Lena Richard Boudreaux, an infant son, his parents, Sidney and Leontine Laviolette Boudreaux; brothers, Hubal Boudreaux, Voorhies Boudreaux, Deno Boudreaux, Sr. and Nolan Boudreaux; and his sister, Lorraine Marie Maturin.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jed Champagne, Justin Champagne, Erick Trosclair, Trent Devillier, Joshua Stevens, Jacob Stevens, Michael Stevens and Matthew Stevens.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Eric Hebert and Mark Jagneaux.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana, Ms. Emily, Ms. Carol, and Mr. Steve and Food with Love Ministry, Kent Zerangue and Mr. Rodney. A very special thanks to Clint Guidry of Cecilia.

Bootsie’s kindness and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Lovingly known as Pop Boudreaux, his motto “Go to school, Go to work, Nothing is free” will live on for generations to come.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.