Hickley Michael Waguespack Jr.
Hickley Michael Waguespack Jr. was a kind, sincere gentleman who valued faith, family and service to his community above all else. He died peacefully on Dec. 18, 2014, at the age of 70 years at his home in Gonzales surrounded by the loves of his life: his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was born on Dec. 25, 1943, in Gonzales to the former sheriff of Ascension Parish, Hickley M. Waguespack Sr., and Elia LeBeau Waguespack. Hickley was the oldest of 11 children. He married Judy Jeanette Bertrand of Plaquemine on Aug. 29, 1964. He was a graduate of Gonzales High School and Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree. He then went on to obtain his master’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Throughout his successful career, Hickley worked as a regional manager for Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation, administrator of East Ascension General Hospital and retired after much success as the chief operating officer of Rehab Care Group based in St. Louis, Missouri. During his lifetime he proudly served his community by actively participating on several local and statewide boards including but not limited to being a member of the Baton Rouge Sheltered Workshop, Louisiana Hospital Association, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus and president of the following organizations: Louisiana Hospital Administrator Association, St. Theresa of Avila Catholic School Board, Ascension Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Rehabilitation Association, St. Elizabeth Hospital and River Parish Community College.
He is survived by his wife and loving partner of 50 years, Judy; his daughters, Rebecca and husband Todd Villar, Stephanie and husband Michael Schexnayder Sr., and son, Stephen and wife the former Colleen Guste. Grandchildren include Tasha Villar and fiancé Keith Andrepont, Kayla Villar, Kate Wall, Anna Wall, Craig Waguespack, Christopher Waguespack and Brady Waguespack, along with step-grandchildren Susie Glueck and husband Ben Glueck, and Michael Schexnayder Jr. and girlfriend Leslie Strate. Step-great grandchildren include Patrick and William Glueck. He also is survived by his siblings, Joe Waguespack and wife Darla, Eileen Decoteau and husband Sam, Linda Wiley and husband Jeff, Gary Waguespack and wife Zieda, Richard Waguespack and wife Angel, Patty Cannon and husband Jack, Robert Waguespack and Gloria Wiley and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his much-loved son, Craig Stephen Waguespack; his parents; and brothers, James Waguespack and Gerald Waguespack; and Judy’s parents, Elton and Mary Eulan Bertrand.
The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to our three guys who provided loving care to Hickley in his final chapter, Willie Mikell, Leo Zeno and Rivers Livious and the compassionate care provided by New Century Hospice along with special friends Jessica Dardeau, Brenda Bertrand and Tommy Hutto.
Pallbearers will be Joe Waguespack, Gene Bertrand, Tommy Hutto, Willie Mikell, Leo Zeno and Rivers Livious.
Mr. Waguespack’s visitation was held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation resumed at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Gonzales on Monday, Dec. 22, , from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Eric Gyan.
Interment followed at Hope Haven Cemetery and Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to The Emerge Center of Baton Rouge, due to the excellent care received by Christopher, Mr. Waguespack’s grandson. www.emergela.org. You may visit our website to offer condolences to the family at www.oursofh.com.