Obituary for Charles Anthony Laborde

Charles Anthony Laborde, a good, gentle, and kind man who built his life in service to others, died in his home on July 16, 2026. He was 68 years old. The cause was pancreatic cancer, which he fought bravely and humbly for eight months.

Born on September 10, 1957, Charles was the fourth of six children. He learned from his parents that from well-tended soil, good things grow. Charles tended the soil of his life with great care, intention, love, and pride. Through his patience, goodness grew.

Charles was a carpenter and enjoyed making things with his hands. Known to take his time, he was proud of his work and left his mark in so many visible ways. Often, he and his wife could be found renovating a new home, building a new room, fixing an outdoor space, building a fence, and so much more. They loved making things beautiful together, including their 58+ year old family business – Germean’s Flower Shop – and their family.

He was an attentive and patient husband, father, and grandfather – fully listening to the many women in his life talk (loudly) about any and everything. To his daughters, he made them feel safe and secure by being steady and loving. To his grandchildren, he was simply the best at giving “Popee hugs” and somehow making each one of them feel special and uniquely loved just the way they are. He attended dance recitals, sporting events, birthday parties, and more with a smile – even during hunting season.

Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman. He felt at peace when he was in nature, completely undistracted and present right where his feet were. And yet, he also loved live music and was known to command the dance floor with his signature gator dance, followed by his inevitable Irish goodbye.

He was an active Lions Club member serving on many committees and helping to lead the annual Fish Fry. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and an ACTS Team Member.

Known to many as “Charlie Boy,” he was a loyal friend who prioritized the needs of others over his own. He saw good first in everyone and would “change the subject” if you didn’t. He believed there was always something to be thankful for. One of his lasts acts of gratitude was thanking his nurse for her care; the family would like to thank Hospice In His Care, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Julian Laborde, mother, Nellie Sanchez Laborde, and brother Ronald Martin Laborde.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lynn Ann Dunbar Laborde; two daughters, Annie Claire Laborde Bass (Brad) and Chelsey Laborde Blankenship (Robert); five grandchildren, Aubree Lynn Bass, Gracie Ann Bass, Charlie Jo Blankenship, Bennett Butler Bass, and Hattie Nell Blankenship; and four siblings, Minnie “Papoose” Lafargue (David), Donald Laborde (Becky), Ray Laborde (Denise), and Rachel Voinché (Chris).

Visitation will start at Hixon Brothers Funeral Home from 8:30 – 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. A Christian Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery #1 in Marksville.

Pallbearers are Donald Laborde, Ray Laborde, Kevin Laborde, John Ed Laborde, Robert Dunbar, Glynn Michael Dunbar, Brad Bass, Robert Blankenship, and Bennett Bass.

Honorary pallbearers are Scott Couvillion, Glynn Joseph Decuir, Peter Decuir, O’Neal Hale, Eriks Lusins, and Brent Scallan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the Marksville Lions Club.

To honor Charles’ legacy, the family encourages you to CWYC – call when you can – a loved one, an old friend, your daughter, your grandchild, your Mom, your Dad.