Elton Laprairie, 62, Baton Rouge

It is with deep sadness we inform of the passing of Elton “Ken” LaPrairie, 62, of Baton Rouge, on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
Born and raised in the Marksville-area community of Brouillette, Ken would become a successful businessman whose love of life, music, culture, travel and especially his family was profound and overt.
A true “bon vivant”, Ken was a living version of south Louisiana passion, loving its food in all varieties, live music, art scene, and especially family gatherings. Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras were two of his favorite celebrations but he also loved the singing of Christmas carols in the French Quarter. He looked forward to the annual family vacation to Destin, Florida and taking the family on grand excursions within the U.S. and abroad.
Ken, who could speak Cajun French fluently, was a superb storyteller and had an outstanding sense of humor. He could tell jokes and play jokes on you with the best of them. He was also not beyond “stretching the truth” if it suited his purpose, like sneaking liquor through a live music event checkpoint or trying to get out of being given a speeding ticket.
Ken individually and through his businesses, supported various charities, his favorite being the annual New Orleans Red Dress Run.
Literally the face of JKL Salon along with his wife Janie, Ken and Janie were the recipients of many industry awards for styling, coloring and cutting, including two “academy awards” for styling from the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). Their business, originally established in Metairie, relocated to Baton Rouge following Hurricane Katrina and expanded in 2020, joining with Via Veneto Salon to form Merge Hair Studio. Ken was very proud of his role in mentoring many successful hairdressers who began their career with JKL Salon. He was particularly honored by and appreciative of the personal relationship he cultivated with his cherished clients.
Above all, Ken’s proudest moments in his life were when he and Janie’s three children Simone, Araine and Julian, came to them in such a special way. They are the truest blessings of his life.
Predeceased by father Elton (Bab) LaPrairie, grandparents John and Ida LaPrairie and James and Beatrice George and sister-in-law Susan Couvillon LaPrairie. Ken is survived by his wife of 30 years and best friend, Janie Koger LaPrairie, children Simone, Araine and Julian; mother Mildred George LaPrairie, sister Kathy Dupuy (Terrell) and brother Keith, many beloved nieces and grand-nieces and one nephew, and . . .“Ken’s dog, Zara”.
In a final selfless act taken by Ken in years prior, Ken would become a hero as an organ donor in benefit to those with needs. A celebration-party of Ken's exceptional life will be held at a later date with his preferred music volume being so loud, intelligible conversation will be extremely difficult.