July 20, 1944 – January 26, 2022
Robert Earl Jeansonne “ Ratzie” born July, 20th 1944, entered the gates of heaven Wednesday, January 26th, 2022. We have no doubt that he stopped to crack a joke with St Peter upon his entry. To say Robert Jeansonne was a character would be a complete understatement. Robert was a walking, talking ray of sunshine who never met a stranger. A devoted man of God, Family and Country. Robert was a Veteran of the United States Army, lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Vice Chairman of the Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 5. Robert Jeansonne received special recognition in 1983 for successfully building over 300 homes in 365 days. Robert did not stop with residential which led to his next major accomplishment of building a hotel in 1985. The homes built by Robert Jeansonne and his brother David Jeansonne stand structurally sound to this day. Robert Jeansonne did not understand the words rest, retire or fail. In 1997 Robert converted an abandoned TG&Y building into his vision. This would be known as a favorite family hangout in Denham Springs. The Bowl & Putt boasted over 66,000 square feet of bowling, putt-putt golf, game room, restaurant, bar, party rooms and an arcade. Robert owned many local businesses in Livingston Parish with some going strong to this day. Denham Springs Rental, Walker Rental, U-Storage, Jeansonne Builders and Jeansonne Construction. He was no doubt proud beyond belief when his 3 Grandsons kept his building legacy going. Robert married his childhood Sweetheart Sharon Barthel Jeansonne “Sherry” in 1968. In 1997, after 31 years of marriage, Sherry lost a very short battle with breast cancer. Robert was absolutely blindsided and never expected to find another love like his first. God sent an unexpected blessing to Robert and her name was Patricia Guarino. These two built a wonderful life together, traveled the world and became each other’s ride or dies. Robert became Poppy to Pat’s children and grandchildren. Pat became Granny Pat to Robert’s son and grandchildren. In 2011, Robert’s only child Rhett Jeansonne was killed in the line of duty. Robert refused to allow his 4 grandchildren to grow up without a dad. He never missed a ballgame, dance, birthday, award ceremony or Sunday dinner. Robert Jeansonne referred to himself as an Army Pawpaw. His Grandson Kale Davis Jeansonne is currently in the middle east serving with the 239th Military Police Company. Robert and Pat left their Christmas tree up and that tree will stay up until his Grandson arrives home safely. Robert Earl Jeansonne survived by his Sweetheart Patricia Guarino, Grandson Kristopher Rhett Jeansonne and Wife Hanna K Jeansonne, Great Granddaughter Khloe Madelyn Jeansonne, Great Grandson Karson Rhett Jeansonne, Grandson SGT Kale Davis Jeansonne and Wife Rebecca E Jeansonne, Great Granddaughter Kennedy Grace Jeansonne, Grandson Konnor Vick Jeansonne and Wife Kelsey K Jeansonne, Great Granddaughter Kate Elizabeth Jeansonne, Daughter-in-law Bernadette S Jeansonne, Granddaughter Sharon Marie Jeansonne, Step Daughter Patti Guarino Miller, Grandson Alex Miller, Grandson Zachary Miller, Granddaughter Abigail Miller, Daughter-in- law Alexis Wolcott and Husband Bill Wolcott, Granddaughter Gabrielle Wolcott, Granddaughter Waverly Wolcott, Grandson Barrett Wolcott. Brother and best friend David L Jeansonne and wife Denise Jeansonne, Brother James Jeansonne and Wife Sarah Jeansonne, Sister Gerri Fitzpatrick and Husband Rick Fitzpatrick, Godson Kooper Joseph Godal. Pallbearers Kristopher Jeansonne, Konnor Jeansonne, Alex Miller, Zachary Miller, Derrick Fitzpatrick and Joe Koczrwoski. Honorary Pallbearers David Jeansonne and Jimmy Jeansonne. Preceded in death by his Parents Davis Pierre Jeansonne, Helen Sylvester Jeansonne, his Wife Sharon B Jeansonne, his Son Rhett Jeansonne and Stepson Scott A Guarino. Wake to be held at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Tuesday, February 1st from 5-8 pm. Visitation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Wednesday, February 2nd from 9:30-11:00 am with Funeral Mass following at 11:00. Burial at Greenoaks Cemetery to follow Mass.
5 comments
Linda LaCombe
February 2, 2022 at 5:15 am
I was introduced to Mr. Robert through Rhett and Bernadette Jeansonne. Robert and Rhett were like two peas in a pod, never to meet a stranger, always willing to help someone in need and deeply devoted to their family. This family has grown so much due to the fact that once you’re loved by them you will always be a part of their family. This is a tough time for everyone that knew Mr. Robert for he was a rare man! A dedicated family man, a true friend and I’m sure a fair business man. He kept what he truly valued close to his heart and I know that his family will continue to keep him close in their hearts. What a beautiful reunion it had to be when Robert returned to his heavenly home to be with his wife, son and other family members. God is so good and has made a heavenly home for everyone to loves his son Jesus. My prayer is that those wonderful memories will continue to be shared and Robert’s love and laughter will always be heard through his family and close friends. Keeping ya’ll in my thoughts and prayers.
Debra/Chris Higginbotham
February 1, 2022 at 2:46 am
I have known Mr Robert and his family for 20 + years. He is/was an amazing man. His son Rhett was just as amazing and between the two of them they have raised some pretty amazing boys Kris, Kale and Konnor and an amazing granddaughter Sharon. The boys are raising their children to be the same amazing loving people that their grandpa and papa Ratzie were. We will miss Mr Robert terribly. Stay strong family. 🥰 Love Debra and Chris H.
Roy Civello
January 30, 2022 at 3:52 pm
I/we will miss Robert. He was my 1st cousin and when we were young we spent a lot of time together going fishing, hunting etc.. As we grew older we didn’t see one another very much however, he did come to Colorado and visit us and we spent time together going to Nashville, Tennessee. We will have trees planted in the National Forest in his memory. We will miss you. Love Roy & Vicki Civello.
COL (Ret) Calvin & Jan Washispack
January 29, 2022 at 1:36 am
I served with Robert in the Louisiana National Guard. He was a professional Soldier and a good friend. In memorial to a deserving Soldier:
It is the “Soldier”
In Memorial Honor to Robert E Jeansonne
Louisiana National Guard
It’s the Soldier,
not the pastor/preacher, who has given us freedom of religion and worship.
It’s the Soldier,
not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It’s the Soldier,
not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It’s the Soldier,
not the demonstration organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble and demonstrate.
It’s the Soldier,
not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It’s the Soldier,
not the politician, who has given us the right to vote, ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It’s the Soldier, Who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the Flag and whose coffin is draped by the Flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.
The American Soldier does not serve and fight because he hates who is in front of him; he serves and fights because he loves who is behind him.
ETERNAL REST GRANT HIM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.
Kristi V Godal
February 1, 2022 at 1:19 am
Thank you
Beautiful