John Baltazar

Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church honoring the life of John "Eddie B." Baltazar, 67, who passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Touro LCMC Health Hospital.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in Breaux Bridge on Saturday from 7:00 AM to 10:15 AM.

A rosary will be prayed at 9:00 AM on Saturday.

Rev. George-Bede Ajuruchi, SSJ will officiate at the Funeral Mass.

Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2.

John Eddie Baltazar, affectionately known as "Ed," was born on August 25, 1957, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, to Rogers and Anna Baltazar. The fourth of seven siblings, John Eddie grew up in a close-knit family rooted in faith and love. A proud graduate of Breaux Bridge High School, Class of 1975, John Eddie went on to serve his country in the military, achieving the rank of E6 Staff Sergeant before completing his service in 1979. Following his military career, he dedicated 34 years to the oil field industry, working in various capacities and earning the respect of his peers until his retirement in 2014.

John Eddie was a man of integrity, known for his kindness, hard work, and unwavering love for his family and friends. On January 26, 2025, he was called to eternal life, surrounded by those who loved him most. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

John Eddie will always be remembered for his calm demeanor, love of sports, and joking personality. He had a natural ability to bring laughter and joy wherever he went, making it nearly impossible to take him seriously at times. He constantly said after retiring, "I don't look for work, and work don't look for me." His hobbies included tailgating, cooking, watching sports, and shooting pool. Ed was a member of the APA Acadiana Pool League since 2022 on the Smooth Strokes Team at a level 5. He played pool with a childlike enthusiasm, just having fun. Along the way he won multiple awards, patches, and plaques, but most importantly many new friendships. He also had a passion for listening to music and working on one of his most cherished possessions, his 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

John Eddie and his loving wife of 45 years, Mary, were pillars of their community, hosting the Carver Street Crawfish Festival for over 30 years. Their gatherings became a cherished tradition, bringing family, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate, laugh, and enjoy good food.

The family asked that if you would happen to have Saints attire, please wear to celebrate the love that John had for his beloved New Orleans Saints!

John Eddie Baltazar is survived by his loving wife, Mary Johnson Baltazar; daughter, Kayla Baltazar-Ababio (Charles); son, Devin Baltazar (Jerome) of Houston, TX; grandson, Devin Baltazar, II of Lafayette, LA; two sisters, Mary Margaret Baltazar Potier of Parks, LA and Louette Batiste of Breaux Bridge, LA; three brothers, Van Ray Baltazar, Brian Keith Baltazar of Breaux Bridge, LA, and Kenny Rogers Baltazar (Hattie) of Raceland, LA. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rogers and Anna Williams Baltazar; grandsons, Caleb and Nicholas Coleman; two brothers, Gerald Baltazar and John Michael Baltazar; two nephews, Jerrell Batiste and Tyrone Lawrence; and two brothers-in-law, Ronald Johnson and John Potier.

Pallbearers will be Devin Baltazar, II, Jerrald Batiste, Jarrett Batiste, Blake Lewis, Pernell "Junior" Johnson and Jamie Lewis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Devin Baltazar, Luke Aubrey, Brian Keith Baltazar, Van Ray Baltazar, John Allen Batiste, Clyde Menard, Sr., Leonard Francis, Standford Mart, Evan Von Ozen, Irving Perrault, Jr., Jerome Senegal and Chad Tillman.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.