<p>Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 12:00 pm in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille in Lafayette for Ronald L. Baudoin, age 81, who passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at his residence in Scott.</p><p><br></p><p>The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Location on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 9:00 am until time of services. A Rosary will be recited on Saturday morning at 10:30 am led by Hazel Melancon.</p><p><br></p><p>Deacon Clifford Tanner will officiate at the services. Lectors will be Blake Fontenot and Evan Patton. Musical selections will be provided by Charlotte Jagneaux accompanied by Phyllis Simar on the organ. Inurnment will be held in Lafayette Memorial Park.</p><p><br></p><p>Honorary Pallbearers will be Korri Fontenot Andrew and Eli Patton.</p><p><br></p><p>“Ronnie,” as his friends and wife called him, is survived by a family that will fondly miss him. He was a husband to his devoted wife of 62 years, Pearl Broussard Baudoin, who tirelessly cared for him during his final months. He was a father to two daughters, Leah Baudoin Guillory and Jeannie Baudoin Patton. He was fortunate enough to be a grandfather to four grandchildren, Blake Fontenot and his wife, Deidre, Korri Fontenot Andrew and her husband, Joey, Evan Patton, and Eli Patton; as well as a great-grandfather to a great grandson, David Andrew. Ronnie was a brother to his only sibling Donald Baudoin, husband of Cheryl, and was also a “father” to two sons-in-law, David Guillory and Brian Patton. He was preceded in death by parents, Jean Beo Baudoin and the former Lucille Hebert.</p><p><br></p><p>Ronnie was born in Lafayette on August 1, 1942. Born the son of a Glass Installer at Hub City Motors and a tireless worker, Ronnie inherited a work ethic that he exhibited in all aspects of his life. After graduating in 1960 from Lafayette High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, where he met Pearl. Pearl, also from Lafayette, was traveling with her friend for a visit with a guy who happened to be Ronnie’s bunk mate. After that chance meeting, they married two years later and moved to Phoenix, AZ to be stationed at Luke Air Force Base. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Ronnie and Pearl moved back to Lafayette in 1964 to begin a family. He took a job with the United States Postal Service, where he served as an Expediter for 36 years. He ultimately retired from USPS in 1999 at the age of 57 and settled into a life of retirement. Being the hard worker that he was, semi-retirement would have to suffice as he went to work part time with FedEx for six years. But this retirement provided him the time necessary to enjoy his second career….exercising.</p><p><br></p><p>Ronnie despised inactivity. He grew up playing baseball as a child. His affinity for the sport led to playing softball as an adult, not only for the Air Force during his time in the service, but also with travelling teams upon his return to Lafayette. Softball was far from his only sport, however. Ronnie was an avid bowler in his younger years, and he and Pearl travelled often to compete in state and national tournaments. When he wasn’t bowling, he could also be found on the golf course. He was a member of the Acadiana Golf Society in Lafayette and played for years with friends and his son-in-law at local courses. Ronnie also became a passionate runner. He enjoyed the local running scene and competed in countless road races as a member of the Cajun Road Runners Club. His collection of race tee-shirts was a testament to his dedication to the pastime. </p><p><br></p><p>As skilled as he was with a glove, ball or a golf club, Ronnie had few rivals at the barbeque grill. He spent a lifetime honing his craft. An invitation to his cookouts was not to be declined. The food was always in abundance, and the conversation was plentiful. The camaraderie with family and friends around Ronnie’s pit will be sorely missed. </p><p><br></p><p>As most hard-working men of his age, Ronnie developed lingering back issues later in life. He endured multiple back surgeries. When it was clear that running was no longer a viable hobby, Ronnie became a fanatical walker. He could be seen almost every day on the streets of Lafayette and Scott, many times quite a distance from his home. In inspirational fashion, he set, and broke, goal after goal for himself in an effort to stay active. </p><p><br></p><p>“Gramps,” as he was affectionately called by his younger grandchildren, was a delightfully proud father and grandfather. He spent hours as a spectator at various stadiums, ballparks and tennis courts. Ever the coach, Gramps was quick with honest and candid feedback on most subjects. And thankfully so. His support and tutelage helped produce a national champion cheerleader, a high school football player, a college tennis player, and an aspiring golfer/baseball player. </p><p><br></p><p>A chronic early riser, Ronnie routinely waited for his daily newspaper over a pot of coffee. He was an avid reader of both Western novels and periodicals. During his later years, Ronnie finally veered slightly from the printed word and succumbed to the digital age. He learned to use a computer. This afforded him the opportunity to keep up with the latest news in sports, in an attempt to gain an advantage over his family and friends in their Fantasy Football League. Ronnie retired without having won a championship. The league will miss his draft day skills and surprises but will return to honor his memory.</p><p><br></p><p>Rest in peace, Gramps, until we all meet again.</p><p><br></p><p>The Baudoin family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Ronnie’s primary care physician, Dr. Bradley Chastant, Jr. His care, compassion and counsel will not be forgotten.</p><p><br></p><p>Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald Baudoin to Hospice of Acadiana - 337-232-1234 - 2600 Johnston St. Suite 200 Lafayette, LA 70503 - <a href="//hospiceacadiana.com/donate">https://hospiceacadiana.com/donate</a></p><p><br></p><p>View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com</p><p><br></p><p>Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311</p>
August 1, 1942 - July 22, 202408/01/194207/22/2024
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Ronald L. Baudoin
4 Trees have been planted in memory of Ronald Baudoin.