News & Announcements

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Donald "Don" Gayle Gallent (November 12, 1946 - June 25, 2022)

(1/2/23) Donald "Don" Gayle Gallent passed from this life on June 25, 2022, at his home in Brentwood, TN. A native of Baton Rouge, he was a graduate of Istrouma High School and Louisiana State University, a CPA and an entrepreneur. A writer at heart with a great sense of humor, he was always quick with a joke and wonderful stories. As a sports fan, he was an LSU fanatic and longtime Braves fan. He enjoyed pickin' style country music, creating amazing businesses and he loved his Golden Retriever, Annie.
He is survived by his loving wife, Christie Stoner Gallent; his two sons, Chip and David (Jennifer); his grandsons, Dylan Gallent and Tommy Gorham- (mother Suzanne Swanson); and his brother, Dave (Phyllis).
A Memorial will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. (visitation 1-2 p.m.) at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the animal rescue or shelter of your choice.
Read the online abituary at https://www.woodbinefuneralhome.com/obituaries/print?o_id=8113317

John Alex Wascom

(1/2/23) We learned recently that John Wascom passed away in Florida on June 30, 2017. No obituary is available at this time.

John Calvin "Johnny" Bogan

(12/15/22)  John C. Bogan, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, went to his eternal home on Monday, December 12, 2022. He was 78 years old. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. He loved boating, tae kwon do and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon Gross Bogan; daughter, Lori and wife Nolaine Bogan-Potts; two sons, Steven Bogan and wife Deborah, Kevin Bogan and wife Brittany; five grandchildren, Jonathan, Matthew and wife Kara, Misti and husband Chris, Mike, Matt and two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Silas. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, in Denham Springs, on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 9 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11 am, conducted by Rev. Paul Jones. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thaddeus and Lorena Bogan and his sister, Clara Lewis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN, 38105. Condolences may be offered at www.sealefuneral.com. Read the online obituary and guest book at https://obits.theadvocate.com/us/obituaries/theadvocate/name/john-bogan-obituary?id=38390597

Carolyn (Ponson) Watts

(10/22/22) Carolyn Ponson Watts died on October 18, 2022. She was born on June 26, 1946 in White Castle, Louisiana. Carolyn was survived by her husband of 56 years, Billy Watts, her sons Chad (Allyson), Blake (Jamie), and Alan (Kenzie); grandchildren Parker, Peyton, Avery, Abby, Briehn and Vivian; her brother Johnny Ponson (Jan); in-laws Bobby and Kate Watts, Richard and Lee Watts, Lana and Chris Cocreham; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Stanford and Frances Ponson, brothers Richard and Michael Ponson and her granddaughter, Cora Watts. Carolyn was a 1964 graduate of Istrouma High School and retired from the LA Department of Labor. Carolyn loved her family dearly and was happiest being Mimi to her grandchildren. There were not many of their events that Mimi did not attend, near or far. She was a devout parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where visitation will be held on Monday, October 24 at 9:30 followed by Mass at 11:00 and burial. Carolyn's family thanks her many special friends including Mary Catherine Guidry, Lucille Dickerson and Jackie Jenks, for their love and support. They sincerely appreciate the care given to Carolyn by her doctors, caregivers and The Hospice of Baton Rouge.

Read the complete online obituary here - https://obits.theadvocate.com/us/obituaries/theadvocate/name/carolyn-watts-obituary?id=36873828

Linda (Comeaux) Schafer

(10/9/22) Linda Comeaux Schafer, age 76, passed away on October 4, 2022. Her proudest moments were watching her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids succeed. She loved to host family and friends, and always looked for the value in everything. She loved to serve and celebrate others and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Linda is survived by her husband, James "Eddie;" her brother Jerry (& Katha) Comeaux, her three children, Stacie (& Tony) Gardana, Clint Schafer, and Travis Schafer; 11 grandchildren, Tanner, Nicole, Courtney, Becca, Jessica, Hannah, Brooke, Ty, Maison, Collin, Jolie', and six great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother, Frances, and father, Gerald Comeaux. Visiting hours will take place at Resthaven on Thursday, October 6, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Friday, October 7, at Healing Place Church Denham Springs Campus from 10:00 AM until services at Noon.

Read the complete online obituary here - https://obits.theadvocate.com/us/obituaries/theadvocate/name/linda-schafer-obituary?id=36726807

James "Jim/Jimmy" Willard Cook

(2/13/22) James (Jim/Jimmy) Willard Cook, aged 75 years and a resident of Denham Springs, LA, passed away on February 7, 2022, surrounded by his family who dearly loved him. He was born on March 23, 1946, in Sebring FL to the union of Clarence Willard and Bertha Eloise Cook (nee' Leverette), their second child and first son. He graduated from Istrouma High School in 1964, attended LSU, and retired from Chevron Chemical after 35 years as a lab analyst. James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Zelda (Ricky) Hebert Cook; his daughters, Lisa Anne Cates and Jennifer Lynn Cook; their spouses, Jason Cates and Brian Landry; his granddaughter, Ashlyn Marie Roberts (nee' Crawford) and her spouse Nicholas Roberts; and his great-granddaughters, Natalie Rae Montagnino and Amelia Marie Montagnino along with their father, Vincent Joseph Montagnino. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Linda Cook, and their children, Bryan Cook and Kevin Cook; his sister's children Michael Demoulin, Craig Demoulin, and Amy Demoulin; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Glen and Dolores Shoultz (nee' Hebert) and their children, Michael Shoultz, Mark Shoultz, Stacy Snyder, and Allison Walker; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara Hebert and their children, Kristopher Hebert and Tammy Fabregas; and numerous cousins, cousins-in-law, and lifelong friends whom he very much loved. Johnny Worsham is an honorary pallbearer. He is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray Jules and Bertha Mildred Hebert (nee' Achee); and his sister, Evelyn Ann Demoulin (nee' Cook) and her husband, James Hubert Demoulin. He was cremated on February 11, 2022. A celebration of his life is being planned for a date in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Society of St Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge in Jim's name. The family wishes to express their eternal gratitude to Juanita Dixon for her loving care of Jim for the past five years. The family also wants to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists in the Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center ICU for all their care during the last two weeks of Jim's life. They wish to especially thank John, his nurse; Amy, his respiratory therapist; and Dr. J Cody Ford MD for their compassion on his final day. They also wish to thank Dr. I Joseph Albergamo MD, Dr. Charles Bowie MD, Dr. Dariusz Gawronski MD, Dr. Rebecca Whiddon MD, Dr. Fred Petty MD, and Dr. Stephen Vick MD for their attentive care over the last six years. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Read the complete online obituary here - https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/theadvocate/name/james-cook-obituary?id=32925516

Glenda Gale (O'Banion) Jackson

(1/13/22) Glenda Gale Jackson, 75, passed away January 11, 2022 in Southampton Memorial Hospital. Born in Wichita Falls, TX, she was a daughter of the late Leaford and Clemmie DeVille O'Banion. She was also predeceased by a grandson, Brian Rushing; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Hudson; and a sister, Judy Watts. Glenda was a graduate from Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, LA and attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier, MS. She was a nurse and longtime employee at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, MS and then worked for Dr. Catherine Hirsch. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Richard Sidney Jackson; two daughters, Donna Bernocco (Matt) and Catherine Hudson (Woodie); two sons, Richard Jackson, Jr. (Debe) and Michael Jackson; a brother, Leaford Wayne O'Banion (Debra); grandchildren, Erin Franklin, Christopher Hudson, Corey Castille, Seth Jackson, Trevor Jackson, Emily Gauthier, Shannon Rushing, Christian Rushing, Michaela Bernocco, and Caitlin Bernocco; and great grandchildren, Jacob Black, Arabella Hudson, Ivy Peters, Avery Gauthier, Madilynn Castille, and Luca Brackett. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 AM Monday, January 17, 2022 in Wright Funeral Home with Father Jong of St. Richard's Catholic Church in Emporia. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Read the online obituary and guestbook here.

Anna Marie (Bourdier) Fussell

Anna Marie Bourdier Fussell, 75, of Covington, left her earthly home on October nineteenth. After visiting with family, she peacefully fell to eternal sleep as a rosary was recited at her bedside. Anna was born in Baton Rouge on February 9, 1946. She graduated from Istrouma High School and then studied nursing. Anna worked first with Dr. Henry Harvey Medical Corp. in Baton Rouge, and later specialized in geriatric and special needs care. After marriage, Anna moved to Covington, where she raised her family and made many wonderful memories with her children and grandchildren. Due to multiple health issues, Anna lived the past several years as a resident of Forest Manor Nursing Home. Her room was truly her home, as a full wall was covered with colorfully framed photos of her family members, including her eight grandchildren and 2 year old great granddaughter. She loved to put on her headphones and listen to her favorite musicians while crafting gifts for her grandchildren. A private Mass to celebrate Anna's life will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mandeville.More...
Read the online obituary and guestbook here.

Phyllis Lynn (Goodspeed) Mixon

On July 15, 2021, Phyllis Lynn Goodspeed Mixon died in her home in Barrington, NH at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Howard Mixon of Barrington, NH, her children, Duane Mixon (Clair Mixon) of Monrovia, MD and Travis Mixon of Portsmouth, NH, 4 grandchildren Abigail, Natalie, Christopher and Bryce Mixon, and her sister, Marcia Goodspeed Asch (David Asch) of Franklin, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney D Goodspeed and Jessie Lee Herring Goodspeed. Phyllis was born on March 14, 1946 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated from Istrouma High School in 1964 and attended LSU. Phyllis and Howard were married in 1967. In 1988, they moved to Barrington, New Hampshire where she happily called home for her remaining years.
Read the online obituary and guestbook here.

Leon DeMent, Jr.

Leon DeMent, Jr., 73, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on July 15, 2020. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Leon was a 1964 graduate and co-valedictorian of Istrouma High School. He continued his education at Louisiana State University and Louisiana State University Medical School, completing his M.D. in 1971 as an Alpha Omega Alpha initiate. His internship and residency in internal medicine was completed at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. More . . .

In Loving Memory of Dr. Leon DeMent, Jr., a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 9755 Goodwood Boulevard in Baton Rouge. Visitation will follow the service in the Church Fellowship Hall. Dr. DeMent passed away on July 15, 2020. More . . .

IHS 1964 55th Class Reunion - Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, 2019

• Date: Weekend of July 12 - July 13, 2019
  
  
• Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel -- 4728 Constitution Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  
  
• VISIT THIS PAGE for documents and photos from the events.

2021 Monthly Luncheons

Monthly luncheons of IHS 1964 graduates have been going on for past few years - sometimes with only 10 people and some with 30+. The dates are listed below for 2021. Some people who do not live in the area said they could try to coordinate their returns with these dates. The luncheons are on the second Saturday of the month at 11:30 AM and are "Dutch Treat", informal and just "show up."

Our monthly class luncheons were halted VERY abruptly as was our world in March of 2020. As the world (at least the USA) seems to be opening up very cautiously, we have decided to follow suit. If the trend continues, we will resume our monthly luncheons in September 2021 at Drusilla Restaurant. We will continue meeting on the second Saturday of the month at 11:30 with a "Dutch Treat" format. That means that we hope to see many of you on September 11, 2021 at Drusilla! Those that attend can decide if continuing to meet on Saturday is the best option -- or would the group like to meet on a weekday (in between doctor appointments!!) Also, a decision regarding other possible locations can be discussed. If you have any thoughts, please send them to our website -- or give your ideas to a reunion committee member.

Our new 2021 schedule is as follows:

• January - canceled
• February - canceled
• March - canceled
• April - canceled
• May - canceled
• June - canceled
• July - canceled
• August - canceled
• September 11 - Drusilla Seafood
• October - TBA
• November - TBA
• December - TBA

Lunches start around 11:30am . Sammy's is on Wax Rd in Central and Ralph & Kacoos is at I-10 and Bluebonnet Blvd

Northern exposure

(6/12/18) Smiley Anders Advocate.com news article . . . . . . It was 22 years ago that Jim Carruth, Wayne Price and Haskell Douglas thought it would be nice if folks who grew up in north Baton Rouge in the '40s, '50s and '60s and then moved away got together to talk about old times. So they got a hall and invited people — no program, no speakers, just old neighbors visiting. They made it a benefit for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and asked people attending to bring items to donate. Since then several hundred former north Baton Rouge folks have gathered the Thursday after Independence Day for the event. This year's 22nd annual North Baton Rouge Neighborhoods Reunion is on July 5 at the Belle of Baton Rouge atrium from 5 p.m. until everybody leaves. For details, call Haskell at (225) 274-6060.

Istrouma Middle School comes out of exile, joins Istrouma High after months of renovation

(11/27/17) Advocate.com news article . . .

Three months after high school students returned to the shuttered campus of Istrouma High School, more than 100 middle schoolers are about to join them.

The high school, led by Principal Reginald Douglas, moved into the 70-year-old facility in north Baton Rouge in early August — just ninth- and 10th-graders initially — and is occupying the second floor. Teachers and staff for the middle school were moving onto the ground floor over the Thanksgiving break, and students are set to arrive Monday. . . . (Read entire article here.)

EBR School Board eyes adding magnet program to Istrouma High, creating priority enrollment zone for Mayfair Lab

(10/5/17) Advocate.com news article . . .

Istrouma High School, which reopened in August, may add a magnet program next year to sync up with and attract students from a middle school magnet program already in operation.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Thursday voted unanimously to give preliminary approval to the idea. If, as expected, it receives final approval when the board meets Oct. 19, Istrouma High would be the sixth high school in Baton Rouge with a magnet program. -  

Photos: Istrouma High supporters celebrate the historic north Baton Rouge school's reopening

(9/13/17/) Advocate.com news story & photos -
Jim Dousay, left, a star quarterback and running back on Istrouma High School's 1962 state championship football team, its last, talks to members of the school's junior varsity team at its practice at BREC's Howell Park, before a a ribbon cutting and grand re-opening ceremony by alumni and faculty at the historic high school, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The JV plays its first game Friday. After two years, the school is allowed to field a varsity team. Dousay also played at LSU and in the NFL.
Click here to see report.

Back to school for Istrouma High School

(8/9/17/) WBRZ.com Video report - Click here to see video.

Istrouma High holds reopening ceremony day before school starts

(8/9/17) WAFB.com Video report - Click here to see video.

Istrouma High supporters ring bells, beat drums in advance of school's reopening Wednesday

(8/8/17) Advocate.com news story - Read story here.

eBlasts Archive

(2/10/15) If you misplaced or aren't receiving our periodic eBlasts, visit the Email Campaign Archive to catch up. And, be sure to register if you aren't on the list.

Photos & Documents

(2/10/15) A link to the Class of 1962 Shutterfly website has been added to our Connect Navigation Menu. Thanks to Wayne Gathright for proving the link and doing the work on their photo presentations.
See https://1962powwowseniorclass.shutterfly.com/

(9/12/14) A PDF copy of the 1963-64 War Whoop newspaper has been added to the About Us page. Thanks to classmate Charlie Johnson for scanning the document!

(8/3/14) Photos from the 50th Basketball Reunion and 50th Reunion Group Photo at Holiday Inn have been added to The Gallery 50 page. Thanks to Ken Wall for sending the photo!

Group Photo

(8/4/14) Prints of the 50th reunion group photo have been mailed to those who ordered them. A small version is shown at right. If you want to purchase a large print, contact Still's Photgraphy, Inc., 3372 Nature's Way, Walker, LA 70785. Phone: 225.272.0068.

50th Reunion Directory

(7/14/14) If you did not get your 50th Reunion Directory at the reunion (some were misplaced or accidentally picked up by others), send your name and snail-mail address to ihs1964@yahoo.com and we will see that you get a copy. If you did not attend and want a copy, please send check for $5 made out to IHS Class of 1964, and mail to IHS Class of 1964, C/O Lydia Cook Raborn, 1017 Daventry Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Or, if you prefer an electronic copy, please e-mail your request to us.

Reunion Committee

Email Address: ihs1964@yahoo.com

Mailing address: Istrouma High School Class of 1964 / 1017 Daventry Drive / Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Voice Mail: (225) 926-3681 (This is a new number)

Webmaster

Email Address: webmaster@ihs1964.com