Andrew "Andy" Ardoin

Following a second courageous battle with cancer, Andrew Joseph Ardoin, better known as Andy, passed away on May 12, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family.

Andy was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana and raised in Iowa, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Iowa High School and attended McNeese State College. He moved to Lake Charles at 18 years of age. During his college years, he proudly joined the Louisiana National Guard and eventually retired after 22 years of dedicated service. He began his first employment in the Department of Printing for the Calcasieu Parish School Board. Following his marriage to Kerry, he also worked an additional job to support his family, becoming a night patrol officer for the Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s Department. He later became the Executive Administrator to Sheriff Wayne McElveen where he formed lasting friendships and bonds in the law enforcement community. After his work with the Sheriff’s Department, Andy became Director of Transportation for Calcasieu Parish Schools and constantly strived to ensure the safe and dependable transportation of a very precious cargo for many years.

Developing friendships and being involved in the community was of great importance to Andy. Becoming a member of the Lake Charles Jaycees provided numerous opportunities and was one important way for him to enthusiastically pursue avenues to achieve both goals. He actively participated in many other civic organizations and projects. He was a member of The Southwest Louisiana State Fair Board, The Contraband Days Inc. Board of Directors, and the 911 Board of Directors. He enjoyed being in The Crew delaBonne Vie and was on its Court and served in its Board of Directors. He was a volunteer and worked tirelessly in the building of Lake Charles Millennium Park. Andy was also a member of the Contraband Corvette Club of Lake Charles. He spent countless hours with friends enjoying trips, car shows, events, parades, and meeting people. Oh, how he loved his little red Corvette and the club!

Andy was a person who always enjoyed talking with others. After his retirement, he loved joining his friends at KD’s on Monday mornings for coffee and lively conversation. Also, for the past 45 years, he was a much-loved member of a social group of friends (known as the Pepper’s/the Que Pasa group) who spent great times together on Friday nights and eventually became like a large family sharing life, cherishing memories, and experiencing amazing, wonderful adventures.

Andy is survived by his loving wife Kerry Parker Ardoin, their son Andrew Wallace Ardoin, granddaughter Skyler Ardoin, and their great-granddaughter Miss Emi. Brother and sisters John Ardoin; Patrick Ardoin and wife Jody of Iowa; Judi Kamouie; Elaine Guillory of Iowa; Connie LeBlanc and husband Larry of Sulphur; and Darlene Gueringer and husband James Gueringer and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his loving parents Andrew Ardoin and Mary (Jean) Ardoin, his son Shawn Joseph Ardoin, in-laws Patricia and Wallace (Bud) parker, Susan Ardoin (wife to John Ardoin); brother-in-law Wallace (Wally) and wife Anita Parker; nephew Adam Parker; lifelong friends/family Pat Rion, Thomas Courville, RL Webb, Ron Westmoreland, and Ronnie Odom.

The family thankfully acknowledges the exceptional care Andy received by all the doctors, nurses and employees at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, especially Dr. Tsao of the Oncology Department. We also want to express our thanks to the wonderful orthopedic team and the doctors and nurses of Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles for the extraordinary care they provided to Andy, and finally to Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles, we thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and kindness. The care and support of this amazing staff was immensely helpful during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church with Father Jace Eskind serving as Celebrant. Interment will follow after mass in Lacassine under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held in Johnson Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00 p.m.

His pallbearers are Loyd Rion, Bill Stokes, Jimmy Chance, Bruce Parker, James Gueringer and Patrick Ardoin.