01/20/2026
Our founding member has crossed over. Details below.
From the Langlinais Children.. sharing our Dad's Obituary:
Stephen Joseph Langlinais - November 1, 1943 – January 18, 2026
Stephen Joseph Langlinais was called home to his Heavenly Father at 7:00 p.m. on January 18, 2026, surrounded by his beloved children.
Known to many as “Mr. Steve,” he was a native of Erath and was raised on a rice and dairy farm, where he and his siblings learned the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. His days often began at 4:00 a.m. milking cows, followed by school and football or track practice, then returning home for chores and studying late into the night. He attended Erath High School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1961. During his high school years, he excelled in football and track, earning All-State honors in track all four years and setting multiple school records. He was later inducted into the Erath High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Stephen went on to attend USL, where he was a member of both the football and track teams. He earned his Bachelor’s degree and later his Master’s degree from LSU. In 1969, he obtained his Professional Engineering license, and in 1971, his Professional Land Surveying license. Shortly thereafter, he founded his land surveying business, S. J. Langlinais & Associates, which he operated from his home for many years before moving to a dedicated office in Abbeville. In addition to running his business, he accepted a professorship at USL at the age of 25 and taught Agriscience for 30 years.
Following his retirement from USL, Stephen was named “Outstanding Alumni of the College of Life Sciences” in 2001. That same year, he was honored as “State Engineer of the Year” by the Louisiana Society of Engineers. He also served for many years as an officer in the local chapter of the Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors (LSPS), including the role of President. He led his land surveying firm for over 50 years and was recognized by colleagues, peers, associates, and family for his dedication and service at a semi-retirement banquet in 2022.
In his professional life, Stephen also served as an expert witness in numerous cases, offering insight in criminal court proceedings, environmental lawsuits, and matters involving mechanical and boundary-related concepts. He was also known to have written and copyrighted his own drainage calculation software, pioneering the use of computers in engineering drainage design.
He proudly represented the Krewe of Vermilion in 2003 and was crowned King Vermilion IV, serving alongside his youngest daughter as his Queen. In 2005, he was inducted into the Order of Living Legends by the Acadian Museum in Erath.
A lifelong, devout Catholic, Stephen served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was a member of the Come Lord Jesus prayer group. He was also a member of Les Curieux, where he enjoyed engaging with community leaders on issues affecting Vermilion Parish.
Stephen married the love of his life, Juliette Marie Toups of Henry, in 1964. Together they shared 57 years of marriage and raised five children. They were later blessed with fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He will be remembered as a kind, caring, patient, and genuine gentleman; a devoted professor; and a respected businessman who touched countless lives. Stephen was known for his sense of humor, contagious laugh, strong moral compass, and selflessness. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and taking sincere interest in their activities, sports, and hobbies.
The Langlinais family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mandy and Debbie Baudoin, Norma Broussard, Dorothea “Dot” Babineaux, Linda Lee, Michelle “Mimi” Reaux, and Adrienne Delcambre for the love, care, and companionship they provided to Stephen in the later years of his life. These women held a special place in Stephen’s heart and in the hearts of his family, and their dedication and compassion were beyond measure.
Visitation will be held at Frioux-David Funeral Home in Erath on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. A rosary will be led by Deacon Tim Marcantel at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Clinton Sensat at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. Readers for the Mass will be his granddaughters, Alison Bourque and Hannah Granger. Gift bearers will be Regan Granger, Olivia Harris, Elizabeth Harris, and Katelyn Earnest. Interment will follow immediately at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Serving as pallbearers will be Craig Langlinais (Stephen’s godson) and his grandsons: Seth Bourque, Cole Bourque, Mason Granger, Grant Kimbell, and Rhett Kimbell. Honorary pallbearers will be Kamren Earnest, Reed Langlinais, John Eric Granger, Luke Harris, David “DJ” Jennings, Logan Harris, Asher Jennings, and Maverick Bourque.
Stephen is survived by his five children: Ann Lori Langlinais Broussard (Lynn), Dana Langlinais Granger (Nathan), Carrie Langlinais Ferrell (Michael), Benjamin Langlinais (Cherie Hollis), and Bethany Langlinais Harris (Everitt); one sister, Charlotte Langlinais Waguespack (Glynn); two brothers, Larry Langlinais (Minette) and Glenwood Langlinais (Jackie), and a special friend Ms. Gloria Newton.
He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren: Seth (Alicia), Cole (Peggy), and Alison Bourque; Mason (Mary), Hannah, Regan, and John Eric Granger; Grant and Rhett (Kaitlin) Kimbell; Dylan Ferrell (Chloe); Reed Langlinais; Olivia, Luke, Elizabeth, and Logan Harris. His five great-grandchildren are Kamren and Katelyn Earnest, DJ and Asher Jennings, and Maverick Bourque.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Juliette Toups Langlinais; his parents, Wilfred and Anna Langlinais of Erath; and his grandson, Ross Stephen Granger.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Stephen’s memory to the Ross Granger Memorial Fund or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
He will be laid to rest beside the love of his life on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Funeral arrangements are with Frioux and David Funeral Home in Erath, from 9 am until funeral services at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Erath at 1 pm A rosary will be recited at 11 am.
