John Adolphe Poche' Jr.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, John was the eldest son of John Adolphe Poche’ Sr. and Cecilia Foght Poche’. He graduated from Holy Cross High School and later received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University in 1952. He married his first love, Olivette Patricia Binet, and they were blessed with three daughters: Denise White Shipman and husband John; Brenda Poche’ Wood and husband Gary; and Susan Poche’ and husband John Gonzales.

John served as an Army lieutenant during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He began his civilian career with Kaiser Aluminum in New Orleans and West Virginia. He moved to Lake Charles in 1959, where he worked in private home construction, land development, and founded John Poche’ Corporation.

A Masters Track & Field athlete, John held numerous Senior Olympic national titles, as well as a world record in throwing events. He was “Paw Paw” to six grandchildren: Bruce J. White, Nathan R. Spence, Leah Wood Orlando, Rachel Spence Weaver, Julie Wood Weinbrecht, and Mitchell S. Wood. He was also cherished by eleven great-grandchildren.

John was active in several civic groups, including Toastmasters International, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Buccaneers. As a two-term councilman, he led the development of the lakefront and civic center. He also served as mayor pro tem for the Lake Charles City Council. John served as campaign manager for Edwin Edwards’ first run for governor and rallied John Breaux’s congressional campaign. A licensed pilot and owner-operator of several airplanes, he traveled throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a passion for boats, from “pirogues to yachts,” as well as classical music and dancing.

A former active member of both St. Margaret and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Churches, John was currently a longtime senior and well-loved member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry. He was the published author of Abba, Father; A Simple Prayer. He later married his much-adored wife, Jean Dosher Price, a patron of the arts and high society. His stepchildren include Kim Price, Mark Price and wife Karen, and Paul Price, and his grandson, Nikko.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Celie Poche’; his younger brother, Allen E. Poche’, and Allen’s wife, Royce; his first wife, Olivette B. Poche’; his wife, Jean Price Poche’; his stepson, Kirk Price; and his beloved dogs, Sophie and Mylee.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. The Reverend Andrew Christiansen will serve as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the directioin of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be at the church, 123 W. Sale Road, Lake Charles, from 11:30 AM until the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church; contributions made on behalf of John Poche’ will be allocated to the Episcopal Outreach Center.

To honor his legacy, contributions may also be made to the McNeese Foundation for the McNeese Track Team. Contributions may be made by calling the McNeese Foundation at 337-475-5588 or online at https://mcneesefoundation.org/giving-form/. Donations by check may be made payable to the McNeese Foundation and mailed to: McNeese Foundation, Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for all the compassion and excellent care received from the entire staff of The Gardens & Guardian House and Brighton Bridge Hospice.