MERLIN BROUSSARD SR.

May 18, 1935 — August 16, 2023

Surrounded by his family, Merlin Broussard Sr. passed away peacefully at Legacy Rehab Facility in Morgan City on August 16, 2023, at the age of 88.

How does one sum up the life of a man that was so very deeply loved and equivalently radiant of that same love towards everyone he knew? Knowing someone so kind, loving and full of faith is the greatest legacy of all.

Merlin was born on May 18, 1935 to Louis and Amelie Broussard on the Caroline Plantation near Loreauville, LA, later moving to Morgan City in 1942 and eventually settling in Schriever since 1992. Being the eldest of thirteen children, he was no stranger to work, helping his dad run the motorboat at the tender age of four; allowing his dad to check the hoop nets. Before he was even old enough for school, his mother taught him to cook Cajun delicacies, which eventually became one of the greatest gifts he’d share with his children and grandchildren. Wearing khaki pants and shirts made from potato sacks that his mom made, playing “ball” with a rag filled sock, and taking crab orders door to door, his life was truly full of cultured Louisiana charm. Sitting with a grandparent listening to stories of times passed is a treasured time capsule, and we are quite fortunate to have a handwritten memoir from our beloved Paw.

Merlin was well known around the area for his skilled welding abilities, beginning his career at 18. Mastering the skill, he was able to travel the continental United States, as well as Canada, the North Sea, Denmark, Scotland and Holland. He had a love for listening to his Cajun French music, even showcasing his ability to play the accordion.

Weekends were meant for family, and that meant endless flapjacks sprinkled with sugar for all his grandkids! If you visited him in his later years, you can bet golf was on the TV. He had a strong faith in the Lord, and we can only imagine the joy he felt seeing the face of Jesus.

He will be immensely missed, but lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy Broussard; his children, Cheryl Katsura and husband Wayne, Terry Broussard and wife Tina; his adopted daughter and granddaughter, Michelle Broussard; daughter-in-law, Darlene Broussard; seven grandchildren, Miko Katsura, Bray Katsura, Jamie Broussard, Terri
Sons, Eros Broussard, Brooke Alfred, and Josh Broussard; 11 great-grandchildren, Lauren, Preslie, Christen, Joseph, Madison, Zachary, Liam, Jyan, Ella, Elijah, Sofia, and one on the way in October, Navy Kate; five great-great-grandchildren, Benton, Colt, Lila, Dixie Rose, and Codi Claire; eight siblings, Alberta Adams, Beulah Bourgeois, Floyd Broussard, Leroy Broussard, Bobby Broussard, Janet Fincher, Janice Courville, and Clint Broussard, their spouses; eight step children, Peggy Clements, Kathy LeCompte, Judy Bartlett, Glenda Richard, Buddy Guidry, Dwayne Guidry, Joey Guidry, and Angela Guidry, their spouses; 20 step grandchildren; 41 step great-grandchildren; six step great-great-grandchildren.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Amelie Broussard; one son, Merlin “June” Broussard Jr.; three brothers, Lloyd Broussard, Tommy Broussard, and George Broussard; one sister, Emelda Lightsey; his previous wife of 30 years and the mother of his children, Betty Broussard Speer.
The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Legacy Rehab and Heart of Hospice. The family is also very appreciative and grateful to the following family members who gave extra care, love, and support to our Paw in his final days: Julie Guidry, Mike and Beulah Bourgeois, Floyd Broussard, Darlene Broussard and Cathy Adams. In his final days, he wanted his remaining siblings to know how much he deeply loved them.

A Memorial Service will be held August 26th at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Chacahoula from 9 AM to mass time at 11 AM.