Billy Juneau, Sr.

Billy James Juneau, Sr. passed away peacefully on April 7, 2022, at the age of 86, endearingly holding the hand of his soulmate and wife of 65 years, Maxine L. Juneau. Billy is survived by his wife, Maxine; sons, Les Juneau (Nancy), Brad Juneau, Bill Juneau (Nikki); and daughter, Roni Sanders (Wyatt). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews and family friends.

Born on March 29, 1936, in Alexandria, LA., to Montez and Leston Juneau. He and his family later moved to Cottonport, LA.

As a teenager in the 1950’s, Billy was a talented trumpet player and founding member of The Dukes of Rhythm, a R & B/Pop/Dixieland Jazz band. At a high school basketball game, he spotted Maxine Adele Landreneau in the gym, and asked her out. She was 14 years old. From that point on, they were inseparable, marrying on July 4, 1957, and the fireworks have never ended.

Billy graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now ULL) in Lafayette, LA., with a degree in Music Education and was a member of the SLI marching band.

During his career as a music educator, Billy directed the band in Moreauville and Simmesport High Schools, and during the 1960’s -1970’s, at Cottonport High School. The Wildcat Band performed through many football victories, providing memories that are cherished by his former students to this day.  Billy and Maxine then moved to Houma, LA., in 1980, when he became the Vice-President of Global X-Ray and Testing before retiring and returning to their beloved Cottonport. In later years, Billy enjoyed playing golf at the former Avoyelles Country Club in Bunkie, LA., hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren as well as traveling the country. Over the years, Billy has best been known for his countless humorous and entertaining stories.

While the sounds from his trumpet have been silenced here on earth, Billy is now gloriously and eternally trumpeting his magical music once again in heaven, and as usual never missing a beat.

Visitation will be held at Escude Funeral Home in Cottonport, on Tuesday, April 12, from 5:00 to 9:00pm. A rosary service will begin at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 13. Friends are invited to join the family at the church CYO immediately following the service.