ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 49
BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT JOHNSON
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of former state
representative Raymond Julian Laborde.
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana House of Representatives learned of the death of former state representative
Raymond Julian Laborde of Marksville on Sunday, January 17, 2016, at the age of
eighty-eight; and
WHEREAS, with the death of former state representative Raymond Julian Laborde,
Louisiana has lost a notable figure in the history of the Louisiana Legislature; and
WHEREAS, born on August 18, 1927, to Dr. Emeric and Minnie Laborde,
Mr. Laborde attended Marksville High School; after high school graduation, he enrolled at
Loyola University in New Orleans, where at the age of eighteen he played on the 1945-1946
Loyola University national championship basketball team; and
WHEREAS, in 1949, he graduated from Loyola University and soon after opened
his own department store in Marksville, Raymond's Department Store, which he owned and
operated for sixty-three years; and
WHEREAS, he served honorably in the Louisiana National Guard for twenty-five
years and ultimately retired having attained the rank of captain; and
WHEREAS, in 1951, Mr. Laborde married the former Nellie Sanchez; and
WHEREAS, he served as the mayor of Marksville from 1958 until 1970 and served
as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association from 1962-1963; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Laborde also served the citizens of Avoyelles Parish as a state
representative for five terms, from 1972 until 1992; he was a gubernatorial floor leader,
Speaker Pro Tempore from 1982 until 1984, and in his last term, he served as the chairman
of the House Committee on Ways and Means; and
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WHEREAS, during his time in the House of Representatives, Representative
Laborde worked on and supported many important pieces of legislation; and
WHEREAS, for four years, Mr. Laborde served as the commissioner of
administration under his lifelong friend, former Governor Edwin Edwards; and
WHEREAS, in 1978, he was named Avoyellean of the Year, and in 2003, he was
inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield; he also
enjoyed being an active member of the St. Joseph Church Council, a past Jaycee President,
and a past member and president of the Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Laborde is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Nellie Sanchez
Laborde; his children, Minnie Laborde Lafargue, Donald Andrew Laborde, Charles Anthony
Laborde, Ray Julian Laborde, and Rachel Laborde Voinche and their spouses; his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brother, Dr. Elmo Laborde; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Laborde will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father,
grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and public servant who loved his community and
treasured his family; and
WHEREAS, the death of Raymond Julian Laborde has left a great void and created
a genuine sense of sorrow in all who knew him, including the members of his legislative
family.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of former state representative Raymond Julian Laborde; does hereby record for
posterity the enduring appreciation of the citizens of Louisiana for his outstanding
contributions and achievements, particularly during his tenure as a distinguished member
of the Louisiana House of Representatives; and does hereby recognize that his life was well
spent in service to his country, his community, and his state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Raymond Julian Laborde.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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