Robert L. Roane Jr.

Jeanerette-Robert Lee "Bobby" Roane, Jr. September 30, 1929 - March 1, 2017.  Robert will be buried in St. John’s cemetery in Jeanerette next to his parents and relatives, Sunday, March 5, 2017  at 2:00 P.M.  A gathering of family and friends will be held after the burial at 3:00 P.M., at the historic family home, Bayside Plantation in Jeanerette.  "In keeping with Bobby's open door policy, All are welcome."

After living a full life, he died of natural causes at age 87.  Mr. Roane, a longtime sugarcane farmer, sugar mill executive, and past director of the American Sugar Cane League, was the recipient of many high yield awards. He was on the Board of Directors of Peoples’ National Bank. He  graduated from Marine Corps Officer candidates’ school in 1951 and the Marine Corps Ordnance School in 1952. He served his country during the Korean Conflict in the Marine Corps Infantry, as an instructor in weapons and tactics at Marine Corps Officer Candidates' School and in the US Marine Corps 3rd Division at Camp Pendleton, California in the Infantry Weapons Company (1952 - 1953). He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. A licensed professional engineer, he graduated from Tulane University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He was also an Eagle Scout. Robert enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing and was fortunate to own several stakes winners. An avid traveler, he traveled to most of the United States. He was an enthusiastic bird watcher,  most recently from the back porch of his beloved family home, Bayside Plantation. He kept his hummingbird and bird feeders fully stocked, so there were birds to view in abundance. We will always remember him saying, "this is the best view in the world," and if his view was obstructed, sure to follow was "move ... you're blocking my view!" In his earlier years he would have offered you his signature mint julip to enjoy with him on the back porch. Visitors knew they were always welcome because upon leaving he'd say " you leaving all ready?  But you just got here!"

Robert was the eldest son of the late Robert Lee Roane and Marie Farrell Roane. He was born in his mother’s home town of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He is a descendant of pioneer French and Spanish settlers of Louisiana and the Illinois territory. His ancestor, Barthelemy Louis Grevemberg arrived in New Orleans in 1721 ( three years after New Orleans was founded). His earliest ancestor was Charles Roane who emigrated to Virginia prior to September 13, 1604 and was given a grant of 200 acres.

He is survived by his brother, John (Tee) Farrell Roane. He is  survived by Margaret “Maggie” Keller, the mother of his daughter Georgia Carlisle Roane, M.D. and son, Patrick Henry Roane of Isle of Palms, South Carolina and Jeanne Bourgeois Roane the mother of his daughter Rachel Comeaux (Perry) and son Edward Roane (Michelle)  of Jeanerette, and one great grand child on the way.  He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, Rebecca Elise Roy, Robert DeBlanc Roy, Jr., Catherine Anne Roy, Jacob Lee Roane, Matthew James Roy, Lauren Rose Roy, Allison Michelle LaBiche (Whitney), John Daniel Roane, Jessica Marie Roane,  many nieces, nephews,  great - nieces, nephews and care givers, MaryAnn Narcisse and Raymond Reed.

He was preceded in death by his only sister, Sarah “Sally” Marie Roane Erikson.

Upholding the Honor of Pallbearers are John "Tee" Roane, Edward Roane, Robert Roy Jr., Jacob Roane, Matthew Roy, and John Daniel Roane. Honorary Pallbearers are Perry Comeaux, Victor Gibson, Peter Patout and Raymond Reed.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Jeanerette Veteran's Memorial Fund, 2416 Main Street, Jeanerette, LA 70544.

David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 337-276-5151, 400 Provost St. is in handling the arrangements.

You can offer condolonces or sign the register book at davidfuneralhome.org.