John "Sonny" Ernest Hourcade Jr.

John "Sonny" Ernest Hourcade, Jr., aged 82, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, following a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Born on June 3, 1944, to the late John Ernest Hourcade, Sr. and Ada Hourcade, Sonny lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and service to his Louisiana community.

For 35 years, Sonny was a beloved high school science teacher. Over his dedicated career, he shared his passion for the sciences with students at River Oaks Academy, Mercy Academy, and Archbishop Shaw High School, ultimately retiring from Shaw in May 2011. He didn't just teach biology and chemistry; he inspired a lifelong wonder for the natural world. To provide more for his family, Sonny spent his summers working hard as a talented welder. He could shape almost anything out of metal and poured that talent back into his schools, often spending his own time making free welding repairs to student desks or offering free tutoring to anyone who struggled. A profoundly humble man, Sonny never once sought accolades or attention for his quiet, daily acts of kindness.

Everyone who knew Sonny saw that his nearly 60 years of marriage to his wife, Linda, was divinely arranged. Naturally inseparable and each highly creative, they shared a love of the deepest, truest kind. When he wasn’t in the classroom or doing welding, Sonny could be found on the water. He was an avid, lifelong Louisiana fisherman who felt entirely at peace in nature, especially when sharing the water and enjoying the day with his close fishing buddies, Troy, Dave, and Charlie.

Sonny was a dedicated family man whose legacy of educating and helping others shines brightly through his two loving children, Scott Hourcade and Robin LeBourgeois, who both followed in his footsteps with careers dedicated to helping people. He was the extraordinarily proud and loving grandfather of George Damien LeBourgeois IV, Jolie LeBourgeois, and Mielle LeBourgeois.

He is the devoted brother of Rene Hourcade Boudreaux (husband Leslie) and the late Steven Charles Hourcade (wife Carol). He was a cherished uncle to Amy Schmidt (husband Christian), Shari Bourg (husband Charlie), Rhonda Leblanc (husband Steve), Pam Donato (husband Danny), Leslie Breaux (late husband Louis), and Kim Rodriguez (husband Ralph), to whom he was a proud Godfather (Paran), though he was affectionately called "Paran" by all of his nieces. He will be greatly missed by a host of cherished family members and lifelong friends.

The family extends their deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to Sonny's children, who devotedly stood by his side during his final two and a half weeks of critical care. A very special thank you is given to his son-in-law, Damien, who went completely above and beyond the duties of a son-in-law to support Sonny and the family. They also wish to express their sincere appreciation to the compassionate staff of Heart of Hospice for their comfort and guidance.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Mothe Funeral Home (2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at approximately 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Gretna, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made for Mass intentions or to Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, online at bloodcancerunited.org. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com.