Cletus Glay Babin

To avoid turning 91, Cletus Glay Babin "Poppy" passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2021. Cletus had a heart attack on Sunday night, in the middle of the Saints game, like we all almost have many times. On earth, Cletus will be greatly missed by his better half and favorite dance partner, Sandy Delia, fur daughters Izzy and Lulu ("the girls"), human daughter Tammy Bridenbeck, son-in-law and best friend "Bridenbeck!", son, Chris Babin, granddaughter "Nikki!" "Lawson!" Gillon (Bobby), great-grandson, "Harrygillon!", brother Jerry Babin (Anna), and his late brother Al's Wife, Sandy Babin. In heaven, he will be joining his mother Mildred "Maw Maw" Babin, father Alfonse Babin, Sr., and brothers Wayne and Al. Cletus graduated from Catholic High in Baton Rouge, LA in 1949. From there he went on to build a long and successful career in land development and home building in Baton Rouge, LA, and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He retired in 1983, then again in 1989, and then again in 1998. When he wasn't working, Cletus was an avid fisherman who preferred fishing around the Chandeleur Islands, where the Coast Guard had to rescue him several times because of hurricanes that were rapidly arriving. He claimed he did not have a clue they were coming ashore. Later in life, you could find Cletus & Sandy tearing up the dance floor all along the coast, and boy could they dance! If they were not dancing, Cletus and Sandy were either playing cards with the girls (yes, they let him in their group), listening to the Checkmates at the Elk's Lodge, watching LSU and Saints football with Linda, reading books, gardening, or spending time with family. Today there are a few more desserts left uneaten, a million ants that need to be killed, and ears that aren't buzzing with his caring words and wise advice. (And LSU gear we need to find a home for since he was living in a split household with an MSU fan who lovingly supported his LSU obsession. Oh and a chainsaw from 1965 that "still works!!") While we all will miss him greatly, he leaves behind the legacy of his million dollar smile and sparkling personality. A true gentleman, he will be remembered with a laugh and a smile by all who crossed paths with him. There's no way to properly celebrate this legend of a man without a party, so a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when "the Coronavirus" (said Cletus) settles down. A Facebook event will be created for the "Cletus Babin Celebration of Life" with details to come. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, is honored to serve the Babin family.