Michel E. Lanaux

Michel Emile Lanaux Sr. 86 of Abita Springs, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, on October 24th, 2025.

He was husband of the late Mary Sue Cairns Lanaux and son of Emile Joseph Lanaux and Nina Martin Williams. He is survived by his sister Alice L. Rainold and two stepsisters Ann Williams and Carol Williams. He is also survived by his children Susan Lanaux Snyder (Charles) of Des Moines, Iowa, Michel E. Lanaux, Jr. (Brenda) of Abita Springs, and Thomas B. Lanaux (Monica) of Austin, Texas as well as 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Emile Joseph Lanaux and Nina Martin Williams. He went to St. Joseph Abbey School and De La Salle high school.  He attended Tulane University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Southwest Louisiana (ULL) in Lafayette.

He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for 8 years. On his retirement from the military, he obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Michel’s career began at Central Gulf Steamship, in New Orleans, where he was general manager of the Insurance Claims Department. He continued a varied maritime career in California, at Retla Steamship Co and then established Lamorte Burns and Co. in New Orleans, as Vice President. He retired after 30 years in the insurance business.

A long time Catholic and member of the Society of St. Vincent Depaul, Michel also served as President of the Conference at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Mandeville. In addition, he served for many years on the Board of Ozanam Inn as the Secretary and was a former member of the Pickwick Club and several carnival organizations.

A memorial service was held on Nov 7th at E. J. Fieldings Funeral home in Covington, Louisiana. Then, a private ceremony was held at St. Joseph’s Abbey on Nov 8th, 2025, where he was put to rest alongside his wife Mary Sue Lanaux.