John Baquet

‘Let us endeavor to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.’ Mark Twain 'I shall not die of a cold, my son. I shall die of having lived.’― Willa Cather

 In the early morning of November 25th, John Baquet passed away in his home surrounded by his family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 51 years old. You can die, but you cannot unlive. In his own words, John ‘lived the life he chose, one that was bold and not afraid to take risks.’ John was born in Eunice, Louisiana on January 25th, 1972 and grew up in Ville Platte. He moved to Baton Rouge to attend Louisiana State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering in 1998. It was during this time he found a kindred soul in Kara, who would later become his wife on July 23, 2004. The two shared life experiences that served to strengthen their connection up until his untimely passing. Together, they chose to not have children, but loved to spoil their doodle Alex, and their nieces and nephews. 

John was deeply passionate about offshore blue water fishing. He loved spending time on his boat, either offshore, hanging out on the lake, or working on it in his backyard. He was an accomplished mechanical engineer and entrepreneur. Known for his positive influence and outlook, John’s passion for mentoring and helping young engineers develop their skills was undeniable. In 2006, along with his wife, brother in law and sister in law, he accomplished his personal dream of owning his own restaurant, Rice and Roux.

John leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, Kara Baquet; mother, Margie Baquet; brothers George Baquet, (sister-in-law Sarah), and Michael Baquet; brothers and sisters in law, Dustin and Shasta Felton; Ross and Brittany McCauley. He is survived by multiple beloved nieces and nephews including Paul, Matthew, Kristen, Brandon, Benjamin, Kaitlyn, Emma Grace, Emma Lynn, Jordynn, Tyler, Brody, Sophie, Jacques, Addilyn, Elodie, and Blaine. 

He was preceded in death by his father George Baquet, Jr.; maternal grandparents Larry Lemoine and Regina McDaniel; paternal grandparents George Baquet, Sr. and Marjorie Soileau; and niece Kalie Chambers. 

The Baquet family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Joseph Shows (Baton Rouge) and his team, Dr. Keith Rhynes (Baton Rouge) and his team, Lindsey Huffman, Kellie Averett, and Hospice of Baton Rouge. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on Saturday, December 2nd from 1:00 p.m. until Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.