Ruben John Dauzat, owner/operator of Wayside Farms

Today, we celebrate the life of Ruben John Dauzat; a husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend, leader, role model, farmer, and a man of great faith. Ruben, age 73, of Marksvile, passed away, surrounded by family, at his residence on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

A Memorial Mass will be offered for Ruben John Dauzat on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Revs. Rusty Rabalais and Dan O'Connor officiating. Private Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery #2 under the direction of Melancon Funeral Home, Bunkie.

The family will received family and friends at 615 S. Main St. - Marksville, LA 71351 on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and will have a Celebration of Ruben's Life after the Memorial Mass on Monday at the same address.

The youngest of six children, Ruben was born to Orney and Villia Dauzat in Marksville, Louisiana on August 25, 1949. He grew up in Moncla, Louisiana with three brothers, Ardie, Dyrel, and Steven, and twin sisters, Rae and Fae. Ruben graduated from Marksville High School in 1967 and attended Louisiana State University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Mechanics in 1971, and a masters in Agricultural Economics in 1974.

In 1972, Ruben married Laura Louise Laborde. Their love gave them three children Tommy, Jennifer, Julie, and eight grandchildren.

For 45 years Ruben was the owner/operator of Wayside Farms, a row crop and cattle farm in Simmesport, Louisiana. While farming, Ruben was dedicated to conservation and on-farm stewardship. His passion for conservation led him to serve on the board of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), and as President and current Secretary/Treasurer of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD). Throughout his career he worked to promote best management practices, worked closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana 4-H, and Future Farmers of America. He was ultimately recognized for his efforts as Outstanding Louisiana Master Farmer of the Year in 2014 and induction into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction in 2016.

Ruben was an active member in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Marksville where he was a member of 4th degree Knights of Columbus 2333 and KC Chapter 1217, continuously serving the community. He was also engaged with the Louisiana Cattleman’s Association, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, Louisiana Ag Leadership, LSU College of Agriculture, LSU Alumni Association, LSU Foundation, and was foundational in establishing the Louisiana 4-H State Museum in Avoyelles Parish.

As a farmer, Ruben knew that a fruitful harvest was more than just planting a seed or caring for a calf. It took faith, time, devotion, and love to make it grow into something to be proud of. This is how he lived his life; grounded in giving everything his all and dedicated to those he loved. He will be forever remembered and loved by many for his outgoing personality and witty sense of humor.

Fill your minds with those things that are good and deserve praise; things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9

The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. – 1 Corinthians 3:8

Ruben’s life and legacy continues through his wife of more than 50 years, Laura Laborde Dauzat, son Tommy Dauzat (Missy), two daughters, Jennifer Dauzat Lovelace (Michael) and Julie Dauzat Grunewald (Hampton), grandchildren, Katherine Dauzat, Walker Dauzat, Rylee Lovelace, Lucie Grunewald, Jack Lovelace, Anna Grunewald, Ruby Grunewald, and Reed Lovelace, brothers Dyrel Dauzat (Chalayne), Steven Dauzat (Irby), sisters Rae Hair, and Fae Smith (Pete), sister-in-law Diane Dauzat, mother-in-law Peggy Laborde, and loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, god-children, and extended family.

He has been preceded in eternal life by his parents Orney and Villia Dauzat, brother Ardie Dauzat, brother-in-law Ronnie Hair, and father-in-law Lucien P. Laborde.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Maintenance Fund (141 S Washington Street, Marksville, LA 71351) or LSU College of Agriculture Dauzat Scholarship Fund (LSU Foundation: 3796 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802)

Thank you for leading by example. We love you, Papa Ru.