Iberville Chamber of Commerce presents the family of the late Lawrence "Football" Badeaux Sr. with Spirit of Iberville Award
One of the longest serving public officials in Louisiana with over 60 years of service to his credit, the Iberville Chamber of Commercee named Lawrence "Football" Badeaux Sr. of Rosedale with its Spirit of Iberville Award.
The award was presented during the Chamber's annual banquet last Monday evening at Nottoway Plantation near White Castle.
"The Iberville Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Iberville award winner this year is certainly no stranger to the business community as well as being a mainstay to the political scene here in our parish,” said Hank Grace, the Chamber of Commerce’s executive director.
“As a young kid, he spent the early hours of Sunday mornings selling newspapers in front of the local drug store,” he continued. From there he went on to achieve many great things in his life.”
Grace then rambles off a long list of Badeaux’s accomplishments, including spending four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving on the hospital ship the USS Repose and becoming the town clerk for the Town of Rosedale at the age of 25.
Later, he would go on to serve as the town’s mayor for 28 years. During his tenure, the town constructed an addition to its library, built a fire station and recreational playground and established a Council on Aging.
Badeaux also served on the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission for over 16 years, holding every office of the organization, including president, served as a member of the Louisiana Assets Management Pool Board of Directors and served for 24 years with the Louisiana Municipal Association.
“As if that were not enough, he went on to own the two grocery stores and was in sales for many years in the area,” Grace said.
In regard to his personal life, Badeaux and his wife of 63 years have eight children, 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, Grace said.
“He was a devote Catholic as well as a 4th Degree and Charter Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus,” Grace said. “He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend to many.”
“Unfortunately, our recipient passed away in March 2017 and has certainly left a void in Iberville Parish but his memory shall live long in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him,” he continued.
“He was once quoted by the Plaquemine Post South as saying, ‘I love Rosedale and hope to see the prosperity continue,” Grace said.