Lucien Burkett

Lucien Edward “Fred” Burkett passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on August 10, 2021 at the age of 79. Fred was born February 18,1942 in Baton Rouge, LA.  They relocated to Delhi, LA where they made their home for 20 years.  He was an avid golfer, enjoyed living on the lake and so loved the meaningful relationships that were developed.  Recently they returned to his hometown of Baton Rouge to enjoy the closeness of his loving children and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Rosalie Burkett; sister, Carol Higginbotham; and nephews, Jason Burkett and David Rivet.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Stevens Burkett; Children, Michael Wayne Reine, Randelle Reine Freeze (Roger), Dawn Burkett Johnson, and Christine Burkett Walton (Matt); grandchildren, Morgan Frioux (Robby), Stephen Reine, Michelle Mahaffey (Blake LeJeune), Zachary Reine, Alexandra Johnson, Marianna Impastato, and Thomas Walton, Tara Freeze, Travis Freeze, and Robynn Freeze; great-grandchildren, Giovanni Reine, Lucienne Frioux, Charlotte LeJeune, and Jackson Frioux; siblings, Glynn Burkett (Patricia), Charles Burkett (Joan), and Elaine Burkett Smith (Rick); as well as many other nieces and nephews. Special mention, David Mahaffey, Billy Johnson, Joe Impastato, Laurie Ancona and Donna Corley.  The greatest joy of his life was taking care of Sandy, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  His greatest testament to all of us was the guidance he provided in teaching us the importance of family, being close and relying on one another.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served on the USS Hancock CVA 19.  He was a member of the Pipe Fitter’s Local 198.  He also served as Assistant Commissioner of Marketing within the Department of Agriculture.  He then worked as a Registered Lobbyist for 35 years. His service to the community included being a long time member of the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Board for 50 plus years and his recent appointment to the Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation.

Fred and Sandy are members of St George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge where all of the services will be held. Services will begin with the visitation on Friday August 13, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. led by Father Matt Lorrain. Immediately following mass will be the burial at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Father Brad Doyle, and Father Paul Yi for visiting our family. Also thank you to the staff at Life Source Services Hospice for their care of Fred and his family in his last days. Craig Schaap, Joanie Wells, Melissa Verret, Martha Webb, Ernie Vocke, Mercedes Wallace and Gaynell Banks truly made a difference in our lives.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was near and dear to Fred’s heart.