Joel Charles Thibodeaux was born in Lake Charles, La., Feb. 23, 1983 to Charles and Pam Thibodeaux.

He was an Altar Server at OLQH church and attended OLQH Elementary. Continuing his Catholic Education, Joel attended St. Louis Catholic High School where he excelled in sports.

He made All-District and All-State in football his Junior and Senior years and All District and All State in Soccer. He was selected as Louisiana Football Magazine’s All High School first team place kicker.

In 2019, he was honored to be named to the 50th Anniversary football team for St. Louis High as Place Kicker.

After graduation, Joel enrolled at McNeese and joined the football team and joined K. A. Fraternity. He then decided on a different career path and transferred to Sowela and graduated with an Associates Degree in Process Technology, then worked as a process operator.

As an avid outdoors man, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, offshore fishing being his favorite. The thrill of reeling in a big Tuna or Marlin always brought a smile to his face, especially if it was caught on one of his custom-made lures. Many family and friends recount memories of the patience he had teaching their kids the best knot, hook, and other secrets to a successful fishing trip.

He was an outstanding cook and could always be counted on to boil the crawfish when they were in season or whip up a pot of his special gumbo.

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Charles and Pam Thibodeaux; grandmother, Dot Ohlmeyer; brothers, Chad (Ashley) Thibodeaux, and Daniel (Tina) Thibodeaux; nephews, Zachary Thibodeaux and fiance’Riley Ardoin, Logan Thibodeaux, and Noah Thibodeaux; two nieces, Samantha Thibodeaux and Caitlyn Thibodeaux; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Elmer Thibodeaux and Lena Blanchard Thibodeaux; his maternal grandparents, Harvey Ohlmeyer Sr. and Ouida Morgan Ohlmeyer; and cousin, Marcus Matte.

The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Lyle LeCorgne of Lafayette for all the help and love he has shown to Joel and our family for many years.

And special thanks to all of Joel’s lifelong friends and their families who have reached out to show their love and offer their assistance during this devastating time.

The family will welcome friends on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at University Baptist church from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 6. Visitation will resume on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at 10 a.m. until time of the service. A mass of Christian Burial led by Monsignor James Gaddy will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Consolata Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brain Trauma .Org, Best Friends.org (Animal rescue), or the charity of your choice.

We invite you to leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.