Rudie Soileau, Sr.

Rudie R. Soileau, Sr. left this world under the watchful eye and care of his Lord on May 23, 2018, to join Mary Calamusa Soileau, his love of so many years, dating back to Fortier High School in New Orleans and continuing through 60 years of marriage. Rudie was born in Grand Prairie, Louisiana on August 19, 1934 to Max Soileau and Adeline Vidrine Soileau.  One of five children, he grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, attended both Hinds Junior College and McNeese State University on football athletic scholarships.  He was a member of the Hinds Junior College National Championship team that played in the Rose Bowl in 1954 in Pasadena, California.  Rudie is a member of the Hinds Football Hall of Fame, and he remained always grateful for the opportunities and path afforded him by Hinds and McNeese.

He is survived by many family members and friends. These include his grandsons, Jeffrey and Ryan, and his granddaughter, Isabella.  Watching his grandchildren participate in activities from football to soccer to dance offered Rudie great joy, pride and satisfaction.  Jeffrey and his wife, Lorianne, and Ryan and his wife, Summer, blessed Rudie with great grandchildren, Grady, Riley and Hadley.  He is also survived by his son, Rudie, Jr., and his wife, Trena, who became Rudie, Sr.’s most cherished person after Mary left this world in November 2015. There are many, many others – far too many to list, equally as important to Rudie and Mary during their lives.

The family thanks the many people who assisted him and who cared for him and his wife Mary over the last several years.

There will be visitation at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles beginning Saturday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 3:00. Visitation will be followed by a brief ceremony in the chapel at Johnson Funeral Home.  Burial will take place at Consolata thereafter. 

It is requested that any donations offered in lieu of flowers or other gifts be made in the name of Rudie R. Soileau, Sr. to an athletic scholarship to be established in his name at McNeese State University through the McNeese Athletic Foundation, Post Office Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609. Rudie always remembered that he was the son of a simple, but hard working carpenter, and his opportunity to attend college depended on an athletic scholarship.