Wayne Joseph LaGrange

Arnaudville - A graveside service, followed by inurnment, will be held at 3:15 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at St. John Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville, for Wayne Joseph LaGrange.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM,  on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church for Wayne Joseph LaGrange,62, who passed away at Ochsner St. Martin Hospital.

Rev. Brian Taylor officiated at the Funeral Mass.

On Sunday January 29th, Wayne began a new journey home to be with his parents and in the presence of the Lord. Wayne was an energetic person with a zest for life, who was always seeking the next adventure. As a child growing up in and around the Arnaudville community, he was able to enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends.

While in high school, Wayne was active in the local Boys Scouts of America Troop from the Evangeline Area Council and learned CPR, a skill he was able to use to save someone’s life. The life skills learned at home, from those around him and through the Boy Scouts would become the foundation of the adventurous life he lived; giving to and wanting to help others.

Out of high school, this adventurous spirt allowed him to join the United States Air Force and further his education by becoming an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technician and a member of the Emergency Services Team (EST) while stationed at Holloman Air Force Base and England Air Force Base.  After the military, he continued his public service career by serving the community of Arnaudville and St Martin Parish, first as a patrol officer and then as a canine officer.

Other adventures in his life included employment opportunities in the Oil and Gas industry with NACHER and their team of local friends, along with Shaw, Chicago Bridge and Iron, McDermont FEMA relief in the US Virgin Islands, MMA Safety and his most recent employer Moore Industries.

One of Wayne’s proudest moments happened just recently when they arranged for him to visit Shreveport, La and team up with current EOD technicians and staff who allowed him to relive his glory days by donning a new high tech bomb suit.

Away from work, Wayne developed a love for music when he was given a local DJ opportunity.  He continued to meet friends in the industry all while playing a mix of country, rock, and swamp pop on local radio stations. T-Wayne became well known on Saturday nights when he opened his show with his signature monologue saying, “lock up your women and children and hide your ice chests.” He also helped with local events like the Parks Cracklin Cookoff and Fair. He loved dressing up as Santa Clause for the Cecilia American Legion group and watching the kid’s excitement and joy.

Wayne touched many lives through the military and close personal friends and when they describe him it always includes words like loving, caring, and willing to help others. These words are clear evidence by his willingness to be an organ donor coordinated through Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA).

He is survived by his daughter, Madison LaGrange; brother, Kevin (Cathy) LaGrange; and his companion, Shannon Keele.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John "JB" Burton and Genevieve Taylor LaGrange; maternal grandparents, Adez C. and Felix Taylor; paternal grandparents, Regina O. and Maurice LaGrange; and his uncles, Harvey Taylor, Philip Taylor, and  Wayne Pitre.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 314 St. Landry St., Arnaudville, LA 70512 (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.