Lt Wayne T Crochet |
 |
 |
LT WAYNE T. CROCHET
31Dec42 - 21Apr21
|
Lt Wayne T Crochet |
|
|
Wayne Talmage Crochet, born in New Orleans on the last day of 1942, passed away on April 26, 2021, age 78. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carol Johnston Crochet; three children: Bill Crochet (Selena King) of Houston, TX; Stephen Crochet (Nicole Maris) of Alexandria, VA; and Laura Reddy (Steve Reddy) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and six grandchildren: Liam, Marcelle, Reese, Walker, Will, and Maggie. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Gertrude, as well as his three siblings, Bill, Warren, and Joyce Owens. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, he graduated from Behrman High School where he served as Drum Major under the guidance of legendary teacher and musician Milton "Whitey" Bush. He attended Oklahoma University and graduated from Loyola University, where he also earned his law degree. Wayne served as 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 as Forward Observer, B Company 2/35th Infantry and Executive Officer B Battery 2/9th Field Artillery. For his brave service he received many awards, including the Bronze Star Medal. He began his career in the Oil and Gas Industry with Brown & Root, where he worked for 26 years, and practiced law for the past 30 years focusing on small businesses in the construction industry as well as estate planning and successions. Dedicated to his neighborhood, community, the city he held so dear, and as a firm believer in civic duty and responsibility, he gave back countless volunteer hours to the organizations that fostered his family and career. He was a lifetime member of The Harvey Canal Industrial Association (now WBIA), serving as President in the mid-eighties. As a graduate of New Orleans Public Schools, as are his wife and three children, he served as President of the Alice Harte Elementary PTO as well as President of the Ben Franklin High School PTO. In response to the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, he was a founding Board member of InspireNOLA Charter Schools and, most recently, served as President of the Board until his death. Well known for his kindness, sense of humor, love of life, and willingness to help however, he could at the drop of a hat, his dedication to making the world a better place will live on in his friends, colleagues, and his family whom he cherished. No account can reflect his unique approach to life; he knew no enemies, carried himself with the greatest humility, cheerfully engaged with every walk of life, and perfected the art of barter, reciprocity, and pro bono service to others. A service to celebrate his life will be scheduled in the coming months. Gifts in his memory can be made to InspireNOLA Charter Schools https://www.inspirenolacharterschools.org/support. To share condolences and memories with the family please visit www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.
TRIBUTES
TO CAROL CROCHET AND FAMILY
I served with Wayne with the 2/9th Field Artillery Battalion in Vietnam. I arrived in 1966 and he the following year. We had identical assignments: I served with A/2/35 of the 35th Infantry Regiment as their Forward Observer and later, as the Executive Officer of "A" Battery. We discovered that New Orleans was "hometown" for both of us and we were both connected (later) with the oil industry. We became fast friends and remained in touch over the years. One of the photos above shows Wayne at the top of Mt Scott, Ft Sill, OK as he and Carol attended our third and final 2/9th FA Reunion, hosted by Maj Jerry Orr, who passed away in October, 2021.
As an Artillery Forward Observer, you are the "Guardian" of over 100 men in an Infantry Company. They looked to you in time of crisis to have the 105mm howitzers on target, decimating and dispersing the enemy as soon as possible. It is/was a very heavy responsibility on your shoulders.
Reading the many honors and achievements of my friend and fellow artillery officer, you know he applied those same talents and skills to saving lives. He returned to civilian life and was a "hero" as well once again.
I was shocked and saddened when I learned of his death in January, 2022. He was truly a great man as United States Army officer, a civic leader, and a wonderful father.
Lt Dennis L. Dauphin
Loyola Univ ROTC, 1965
RVN Nov 66 - Oct 67
***************************
From Leon "Lee" Dixon,
Headquarters Battery, 2/9th FA
I am saddened to hear
of Wayne Crochet's passing. He was a fine gentleman, brave leader and genuinely
nice guy. We spent some time talking during the 2013 reunion and I discovered
that Wayne also had a great sense of humor. He quite obviously did his best to
make a positive impact on the world and our country.
My condolences to his
family.
Leon "Lee"
Dixon
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you and
your family at this difficult time.
Pat McGannon (Friend)
***************************
My
deepest sympathies to you Carol and to your family. Thinking of you in these
difficult times.
Daniele Denis (Friend)
**************************
My
sincere condolences to the entire family. I worked with Wayne in the 80’s and
he was always a professional and a 100% class act. Never a cross word never saw
him get angry. We are all better people today for having known him.
Rest well my friend, we will all miss you.
Stephen Adams (Friend)
***************************
My
sincere condolences to Wayne's family. I knew Wayne from the Behrman band where
he played bass clarinet and was Drum Major. He was also a very good friend.
Merv Budge (Friend)
Sincere
condolences to the Crochet Family. Wayne was a highly capable and valuable asset
in his leadership role with InspireNOLA Charter Schools. As a friend and fellow
board member, his presence will be missed.
Stephen J. Boyard, Jr. (Friend)
*************************
Brother
Wayne is the I would address him for he was always kind and always had time for
you.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to the family at this
time.
He will
forever be in our hearts.
Richard Bush (Friend)
***********************
Great
friend
Norma Ledet (Classmate)
To the
Crochet family,
I knew Wayne while working for B&R's insurance company.
What struck me most about Wayne was
his zest for life. He loved talking about his family.
Although I have not seen Wayne for
many years. I would often remember him. Wayne made that kind of impression on
people.
I remember his passion for running.
Well, Wayne has run the good race of life as a Christian, husband and father.
His reward is now in Heaven. (2Timothy 4: 7-8)
Rest in peace, my friend.
Charlie
Miller (Friend)