John Louis (Sonny) LaCaze

John Louis LaCaze, Jr. (Sonny) of Pass Christian, Mississippi passed away on August 2, 2019. Sonny was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and lived there until 1989 when he and his family moved to Jourdan River Shores in the Kiln (Mississippi) and lived there for 26 years. He thought living on the water was the next best thing to heaven. As time passed, he and his wife moved to Magnolia Walk Subdivision in Pass Christian. He was kicking and screaming all the way….leaving his waterfront home for a high and dry home. Took a year but he learned to love his new neighborhood and neighbors. He graduated with the Class of 1958 from John McDonogh Senior High in New Orleans. Sonny began taking job related courses in fork lifts and materials handling. He worked for Ryan Walsh Stevedoring (later SSA) in New Orleans, Gulfport and Pascagoula for a total of 33 years. After a short-lived retirement he was persuaded by a friend to go to work for Textron Marine & Land Systems in Louisiana for 1 to 1-1/2 years which turned into 5 years. He loved his jobs and was most happy being productive. When he was not working, he was fishing, boating, spending weekends with anything water related. Always loved a game of horseshoes anytime people came by the house. Most of all, Sonny loved doing things with his family. Family was always his top priority. While living in Floral Acres subdivision in Louisiana, he was chosen “Man of the Year” by the Waggaman Jaycees. Sonny was preceded in death by his father, John L. LaCaze, Sr.; his sister, Barbara L. Rondey; his mother, Edith Keller LaCaze Ragas and his step-father, Lee Ragas. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Melba Epps LaCaze; our children; Johnny LaCaze, III, Wendy LaCaze Rapp (Jeremy) and Sean LaCaze (Stephanie). His children blessed us with six grandchildren, Brit-lea Smith (Bradley); Samantha Collins (Zane); Zachary LaCaze; Sydneigh Johnson; Austin Johnson and Nicholas LaCaze. Great-grands are Micayla Brown; Remi Smith and Ayden Collins. His dog, Teddy and Ella, the cat chose to sleep with him nightly and brought comfort and laughter to him during his last days. There will be a Celebration of Life for Sonny to be announced at a later date for family and friends. The outpouring of love and kind words has been a blessing to his family. A special thanks to Faye Johnson and SouthernCare Hospice employees and volunteers for all their help in making sure Sonny was as comfortable as possible during his final days. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of his cremation and arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.