Kenneth Philibert

Kenneth Stephen Philibert Sr, 82, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020, at his home with his family in Baton Rouge.

Ken was born in San Diego, Ca then was sent to New Orleans where he attended St Paul's College & Boarding School in Covington, LA where he called home from 3rd grade graduating in 1956. He played trumpet in the jazz quintet, was a hard punching boxer, very fast track star, an amazing football fullback, honor roll student, & student council vice president. Ken was inducted into St Paul's sports hall of fame in 2006. He was the most decorated athlete receiving a record 12 varsity letters, undefeated heavyweight boxing champion 4 years straight, of interest Ken was in a dead heat in the 100 yard dash with future Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon.

He was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marines from 1957- 1963 where it remained in his heart. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, with whom he had 3 children all the while working with Chevrolet Motor Division during the day and attended night school earning his business degree from Tulane University but loved LSU Sports. Geaux Tigers!

He worked his way up from the mail room to a district manager for Chevrolet Motor Division where he met Mr Charles Tooran whom at one time was the supply officer for General Patton. Mr Tooran stole Ken & made him the general sales manager at Chevyland in Shreveport, LA in 1969 where his automotive career took off. He was truly a self made man and overcame many obstacles which culminated in his success at founding and growing Team Honda & Team Toyota with his well respected friend Jon Petersen in 1988 until Ken retired in 2009.

He had a hard childhood but it didn't break him, instead it forged steel, nor did it make him bitter, it made a balance between what was tough and true kindness. He built a legacy. He was and outstanding hunter and sportsman and yet he never bragged about his success, he was a very humble person that everyone loved, just ask Joe Bruno because the lunch lady would give Ken 2 milks and everyone else just one. He even pitched his Senior Olympic softball team to win the National Championship in Baton Rouge 2001. His knowledge of sports, history, politics, religion and business was extensive. His sense of humor was boundless and some of his pranks and outright silliness is a thing of legend. Ken always cared for others before himself, would give you the shirt off his back, so many respected him for sharing his knowledge and treating them as his equal taking them into his heart as his friend. Most importantly he loved his family, his St Paul's Alumni brothers, friends, and his animals.

Ken is survived by his daughter Andrea Mashburn and her husband Bruce of Baton Rouge and his son Kenny Philibert Jr and his wife Trina of Bossier City. Sister Elisa Siragusa and her husband John, and his dog Fred.

Grandchildren Bryce Arthurs, Bryana Schang, Lake Mashburn, Jared Philibert and Seth Philibert. Great-grandchildren TJ, Tate and Dougie.

He is preceded in death by his wife Margaret Philibert, his daughter Stephanie McKean, his brother Aaron Philibert Jr, his father Aaron Philibert Sr, his step-mom Elizabeth Philibert, his mother Margaret Tannenbaum and his dog Jasper.

Visiting hours will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816 on Monday, May 18th from 12pm to 2pm until services at 2:00. Private Burial will follow afterwards for family and close friends. Due to Covid the funeral home can only allow 50 people to be in the building at one time so we can stagger visitation to allow everyone who wants to pay their respects can, if you want to attend the service then come closer to 2:00 to allow others to come and go easily.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Schang, Milton Godfrey, Steven Diez, Jim Alessi, Charles Tortorich and Brett Bagley.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St Paul's School Donation in memory of Ken Philibert, attn Danielle LaVie, P.O. BOX 928 Covington, LA. 70434, email d.lavie@stpauls.com, ph(985) 892-3200.

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