Obituary

Frans J. Labranche, Jr., 89, of Abita Springs, La., died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in his home, on September 8, 2023. He is preceded in death by his brother, Stephen (2015). He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Delphine LeBourgeois. His loving lineage includes his children Michael Labranche (Shanna), Jeannine Gonzales (Edwin), Gregory Labranche (Andrea), Richard Labranche (Melissa-deceased), and Robert Labranche; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Frans was born on June 17, 1934 to Frans J. Labranche and Murlyn Campbell in New Orleans, La. As a young man he attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary, Jesuit High School, and St. Joseph Seminary college, before completing his Juris Doctorate at Loyola Law School in 1960. From 1961-1964 Frans served as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force. Frans maintained his service to the Air Force as a reserve officer for an additional 10 years while practicing law full time in a private firm until 1977. In 1978, Frans was appointed Clerk of the Louisiana Supreme Court where he served with distinction until retiring in 1996. A consummate teacher and leader in the community, Frans was ordained a permanent deacon in 1981 and was assigned to St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Abita Springs where he served until his retirement. Further serving the church in a variety of ministries, Frans became an Archdiocese Spiritual Director in 1991 and was an instructor for the Diaconate Formation Program from 1983-2016 of social teachings. Appointed Associate Judge of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Metropolitan Tribunal by Pope John Paul II (1992-2013). When not focused on his multiple careers, Frans spent time chasing children around the woods as a father and a Scout Leader. He also enjoyed playing golf, traveling, photography, classical music, and being the most caring and compassionate husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather a family could ever ask for. Frans taught CCD and worked on the parish school board at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish. He was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the Royal order of the Hibernians. Throughout his life, Frans over-achieved as President of the Loyola Law alumni, President of the Loyola Alumni Association, president of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks, member of St. Joseph Seminary Alumni Board, and was awarded the St. Ives Award for outstanding service to Loyola Law School and the Community, the J.O. Sentell Award for Leadership and outstanding service and the President's Award from the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks, Alumnus of the year from St. Joseph Seminary, and many more honors and accolades. Though he is gone, his presence will always be felt by his family and a grateful community. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St. Joseph Abbey, www.saintjosephabbey.com/donate to honor Frans's life. Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Rd., St. Benedict, La. 70457 on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 3:00 PM with visitation from 1:00 PM until Mass time. Interment will follow the service at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, St. Benedict, LA Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.