August Wilson Broussard

Jennings

August Broussard, 76, died Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at home.

August was born in Westlake, LA to Arthur Broussard and Zenia Myers Broussard. August worked at College Oaks Elementary as Head Custodian for 25+ years, then went on to work at Jennings Elementary as well as Lake Arthur Elementary.

Funeral services will be hold on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Jennings Miguez Funeral Home with Father Roland Vaughn officiating. Visitation will begin on Monday October 17, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Cursillo Rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m.  Visitation will resume Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.

August is survived by many family members and friends who are left to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his two wives, Bonnie Thibodeaux, and Norma Jean Broussard, his parents, sisters: Emily Broussard McFarland Neal and Bernice Broussard LeDoux Seamons, brothers: Aristile (Bruce) Broussard and Arthur Lee Broussard and stepson: Glenn (Tootie) Pellerin.

Pallbearers will be Irving McFarland, Joe Morvant, Tony Broussard, Bubba Hebert, Isaac Trahan, Trevor Pellerin, Taylor Pellerin, Darren Constatein, and Conrad Breaux.

August devoted his life to promoting Cajun music and culture throughout Louisiana, but predominantly Southwest Louisiana. August started playing the accordion at a very early age.

He also learned to play the guitar, fiddle, steel guitar and harmonica.

He has written many memorable Cajun songs including Waltz of Sonny’s Lounge, Johnny’s Two-Step, Calcasieu Ramblers Special, 911, Alida Special, Lake Arthur Willow, Back Home Memories, D.J Special, Harris’s Two-Step, Hardship Waltz, I’ll Never Let You Go, I Dreamed of Momma and Daddy Last Night, and Norma Jean. He also co-wrote with Robert Lacombre, If Ever You Want to Come Back Home. August has recorded with several bands including his original band, The Calcasieu Ramblers, The Ole Tymers Cajun Band, Lesa Cormier/ August Broussard and the Sundown Playboys, Bobby Leger and the Lake Charles Playboys, Milford Simon and the Hicks Wagon Wheel Ramblers, John Oliver’s Louisiana Ramblers and Cajun August and friends.

As a way of passing on the legacy of Cajun music, August taught accordion lessons to many students spanning over 30+ years. He would also donate his time to play for many local events and charitable functions throughout Southwest Louisiana including nursing homes, area schools, church functions, funerals, and fundraising benefits dances. In the months prior to his death, August was working with Father Vaughn of Lake Arthur to teach the Cajun French language to anyone wishing to learn.

August was placed in the Lake Charles Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also awarded the “Living Legend Award” on February 26, 2011, and the “Heritage Award” on October 16, 2013. These are just a few of his most prestigious awards, but August was the recipient of ALL Cajun French Music Association awards possible with the exception of the Pioneer Award.

August was a simple and selfless man with a big heart who loved everyone. He will be greatly missed by his beloved family/friends and the Cajun music community.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation to the Lake Charles Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association, in August’s honor, so that his life’s work of sharing his beloved Cajun culture and music is continued.

Please contact Rhonda Istre at 337-607-9497 to donate.

A celebration of life Cajun Music Jam Session will be held at the CFMA building. Date and time to be announced later.