ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 34
BY REPRESENTATIVE SCHEXNAYDER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the death of Ruben John
Dauzat.
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness and profound regret that the Legislature of
Louisiana has learned of the passing of Ruben John Dauzat; and
WHEREAS, Ruben John Dauzat was born in Marksville, Louisiana, on August 25,
1949, and was the youngest of six children born to Orney and Villia Dauzat; he and his
siblings grew up in Moncla, Louisiana, and he attended Marksville High School; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from high school in 1967, Ruben enrolled at Louisiana
State University; as an undergraduate student, he studied agricultural mechanics and
obtained a bachelor's degree in 1971; he also pursued graduate studies at LSU and earned
a master's degree in agricultural economics in 1974; and
WHEREAS, while studying at LSU in 1972, Ruben married Laura Louise Laborde;
the couple raised their three children, Tommy, Jennifer, and Julie; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dauzat owned and operated Wayside Farms, a row crop and cattle
farm in Simmesport, Louisiana, for forty-five years; as a farmer, he was dedicated to
conservation efforts and on-farm stewardship, and his passion for conservation led him to
serve on the board of the National Association of Conservation Districts and as president and
secretary/treasurer of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dauzat worked to promote best management practices throughout
his career by working closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, LSU
AgCenter, Louisiana 4-H, and Future Farmers of America; he was recognized for his efforts
first by being named "Outstanding Louisiana Master Farmer of the Year" in 2014, and later
by his induction into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction in 2016; and
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WHEREAS, as a parishioner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marksville, Ruben
was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus 2333 and the Knights of
Columbus Chapter 1217; he also worked with the Louisiana Cattleman's Association, the
Louisiana Farm Bureau, Louisiana Ag Leadership, the LSU College of Agriculture, the LSU
Alumni Association, and the LSU Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dauzat also played a pivotal role in establishing the Louisiana 4-H
State Museum in Avoyelles Parish; as a farmer, he truly understood the degree of faith, time,
love, and devotion required to help make something grow, and he lived his life in this
manner; and
WHEREAS, Ruben John Dauzat leaves to cherish his memory his wife of more than
fifty years, Laura Laborde Dauzat; son, Tommy Dauzat, and his wife Missy; daughters,
Jennifer Dauzat Lovelace, and her husband Michael, and Julie Dauzat Grunewald, and her
husband Hampton; grandchildren, Katherine Dauzat, Walker Dauzat, Rylee Lovelace, Lucie
Grunewald, Jack Lovelace, Anna Grunewald, Ruby Grunewald, and Reed Lovelace; brother,
Dyrel Dauzat, and his wife Chalayne, Steven Dauzat, and his wife Irby; sisters, Rae Hair and
Fae Smith, and her husband Pete; sister-in-law, Diane Dauzat; mother-in-law, Peggy
Laborde; and a host of nieces, nephews, god-children, extended relatives, and friends; he
will be deeply missed but certainly never forgotten.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express heartfelt condolences on the death of Ruben John Dauzat and does hereby extend
sincerest wishes that his family, friends, and loved ones find comfort in their shared
memories of his life.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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