Jude Kilchrist

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jude Wise Kilchrist, who passed away on July 6, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on June 19, 1939, in Jennings, Louisiana, Jude was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A longtime resident of Lake Charles, he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hard work that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Jude's love for life was evident in his passion for drag racing. From a very young age Jude worked on cars alongside racing in Lake Charles. Jude dedicated his life to the automotive industry as a self-employed auto mechanic, where his passion for restoring classic cars became his trademark. Over the years, he worked on many projects, including a 1951 Studebaker truck, a 1965 Chevrolet pickup, two 1960 model Corvettes, a 1939 Model A pickup, and 1947 and 1948 Buicks just to name a few. His craftsmanship and love for the vehicles earned him great respect in the industry.

Beyond his work, Jude was an avid sportsman and spent ten years coaching youth baseball. He not only taught both the game, and the values of teamwork. His leadership led to an amazing season in which his team went undefeated, winning each game by no less than ten runs.

Above all of his accomplishments, he found his greatest joy, however, in his family. Jude's life was forever changed when he met the love of his Ilaray Kilchrist life while working on her brother's Corvette. This started a relationship that would last 53 wonderful years until her passing in 2017.

Jude is survived by his daughter, Daina Kilchrist and husband Charles Frank; his sister, Sylvia Lejeune; Grandchildren: Luanne Deville, Jennifer Vidrine, Josh Labove, Jacob Labove, and Jamie Labove-Irvin; and numerous great grandchildren.

Jude was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ilaray Kilchrist; his parents Thomas and Ida Mae Kilchrist; his brother Jimmy Kilchrist; his son Thomas Jude Kilchrist; his grandson Destin Vidrine; and his great-granddaughter Chloe Vidrine.

A funeral service in honor of Jude's life will take place on Tuesday July 15, 2025 at 12:00pm at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff with Father Guilbeaux serving as celebrant. A graveside service will follow at Highland memory gardens in Lake Charles. Visitation will be July 14, 2025 from 5:30pm - 8:00pm with a rosary at 6:30pm.