Paul Ivan J. Labbe, Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in the Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home for Paul Ivan J. Labbé, Jr., 82, who passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Deacon Art Bakeler will conduct the ceremony. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.

Visitation hours will be observed on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.

Paul was born in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day, February 22, 1944, to Ivan and Ida Perron Labbé. He was raised in Opelousas, Louisiana, where he attended and graduated from AIC, now known as Opelousas Catholic, in 1964.

A self-taught musician with an extraordinary gift for playing guitar by ear, Paul found great joy in music throughout his life. His talent led him to perform with family and friends, as well as alongside respected local and international artists, including Little Bob and the Lollipops and Hadley Castille. For Paul, music was more than a hobby—it was a lifelong passion and a gift he loved sharing with others.

Over the years, Paul wore many hats, serving as a firefighter, business owner, and self-proclaimed comedian. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether through music, storytelling, singing, or his spot-on impersonations, he brought laughter, warmth, and entertainment wherever he went.

Paul was also a devoted sports fan, especially when it came to the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. It was not unusual to find him watching one game on television while listening to another on the radio, fully engaged in the action of both.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Ivan Labbé; his sister, Mary Anita Lanclos; his brothers-in-law, James Lanclos and Edward Engolia, Jr.; and the mother of his three children, Jessica Begnaud.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Hope Girard (Tracy), Scott Labbé (Kim), and Kelly Trahan (Shane); his grandchildren, Brant Girard (Samantha), Bryce Girard, Jordan Labbé, Zachary Labbé (Ian), Skye Ducorbier (Hunter), and Seth Trahan; his great-grandchildren, Sadie, Sophie, and Warren; and his siblings, Saul Labbé (Janelle), Loretta Denson (Kirby), Beverly Corbello (Bud), and Lynn Labbé (Kathleen).

Paul will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, love of music, and unwavering devotion to family. He had a unique way of making people feel welcome, valued, and entertained, and his presence brought joy to countless lives. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the many friends whose lives he touched.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Landmark of Baton Rouge for their care, kindness, and support.

Walters Funeral Home, 2424 N. University Ave., (337) 706-8941, is in charge of funeral arrangements.