Andre Toups

Andre Gerard Toups, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and uncle, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022, after a 7-1/2 year battle with prostate cancer.

Andre was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Lorraine Toups.  Andre is survived by his wife of almost 40 years Beth, son Chad, daughter Dionne, his sister Charlene, and his brother, Alvin.  Andre was born 1958 in New Orleans, La.

Andre was a gentle, kind, caring man who humbly shared himself with everyone he met, truly believing this is simply how one should live their life.  Andre was a loyal friend to many, counting some of his best friends since kindergarten.  Andre was very positive in all aspects of his life.  Up until the end, whenever asked how he was doing, his response was “peachy.”  Andre saw the good in everybody and compassionately brought out the best in those around him.

Andre retired from East Baton Rouge – Emergency Medical Services (EBR-EMS) following a career there spanning over 30 years.  Andre helped start the EBR-EMS Explorer Post 912 in 1983, which since that time has trained hundreds of Baton Rouge youth for careers in various health care specialties.  In addition to working full-time as a Paramedic and moving up in the ranks through supervision, Andre was a member of the EMS Bike Team, the Honor Guard, served as a Paramedic with the city’s SWAT Team, and received training at Fort McClellan in proper emergency response to Biologic Agents.  Andre was not content being away from EMS once retired and continued his professional career at Louisiana Emergency Response Network for an additional six years.  Andre was recently recognized by the National Registry for maintaining his EMT/Paramedic license continuously for over 40 years.

Andre was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America since he was 7 years old.  He hiked Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico six times both as a youth participant and an adult trek leader.  Andre served Scouting on the medical teams at five National Jamborees, one World Jamboree, and one National Order of the Arrow Conclave.  Additionally, Andre completed Wood Badge Training as a Bobwhite and then staffed five Wood Badge Trainings.  He also served on the Istrouma Area Council Board, was a Silver Beaver, and had received the Award of Merit in three different Districts.

Andre’s sense of volunteerism and public service started at a young age as a 14-year-old radio operator in Red Cross shelters in New Orleans.  Once Andre moved to Baton Rouge, he was on the organizing team for the Citizen CPR training program.  Additionally, Andre was a 30+ year active parishioner at St. George Catholic Church serving with the ushers, as a Eucharistic Minister, as a member of the marriage preparation team, a participant of That Man is You prayer group, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Andre completed clown school and was a registered clown - “Band-Aid” participating with the Bureau of EMS’ Clowning for Safety program.

Anyone who knows Andre knows that his proudest accomplishments are his two children, Chad and Dionne.  Andre loved being a father and delighted in watching his kids grow into adults.  This will continue as Andre will be watching over Chad and Dionne from heaven.

Anytime Beth was asked what she loved most about Andre, her answer was always, “His Fine Buns!”, which would solicit a sheepish grin from Andre. The Bureau of EMS’ Womanless Beauty Pageant must have agreed as Andre is Louisiana’s reigning “Ms EMS”.  But in all seriousness, if pushed to pick just one thing Beth loved most about Andre it is how encouraging he was to so many people to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams.

While EMS and Boy Scouts had Andre’s heart, in retirement Red Gate Bison Ranch which he and his family lovingly ran for five years, had his soul.  They were able to grow the ranch to 33 head of bison and were the only local bison meat producers in Louisiana and Mississippi.  This was one of his most satisfying labors of love.  As if all of Andre’s professional, volunteer, and public service endeavors, along with his cherished family time, could leave any opportunity for additional adventures, you could also catch Andre enjoying traveling, skiing, hiking, scuba diving, camping, and rappelling.

Andre’s life will be celebrated at Resthaven Funeral Home with a visitation held on Sunday, November 6th from 6:30-8:30pm.  Visitation and Funeral will be held at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge on Monday, November 7th - Visitation from 9-11am, Rosary at 10am, and Funeral Mass at 11am.  Interment to follow at Resthaven Garden of Memories and a reception in honor of Andre’s life will be held across the street at the Chili's on Siegen (please use the service road under the overpass.)

The family invites you to share your fond memories online at https://www.resthavenbatonrouge.com/obituary/Andre-Toups

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to the Cancer Research Program of your choosing, as cancer of any color Sucks!