John Murphy Falgout, Sr.

John Murphy Falgout, Sr. was admired by many as a man of strength, faith, and dedication. He was born January 6, 1928 and passed away June 7, 2021 comforted and celebrated by family.

John was born and raised in Delcambre, Louisiana to Aurelie Joseph Falgout and Agnes Marie Babineaux. At age 18, joined the Navy and served overseas in Tsingtao, China on the USS Sierra. Later stationed in San Diego, CA, he excelled playing football for Destroyer Pacific (Des Pac). After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he continued his education and took his football skills to SLI (now University of Louisiana-Lafayette). There, he met his beautiful bride of 70 years, Jennie Lee Falgout, who preceded him in death by only 13 days.

At SLI, John earned a B.S. in Education and set football receiving records that stood for many years. He signed a contract with the New York Giants and was later inducted into the USL Football Hall of Fame. He then furthered his education and earned a master’s degree in Education Administration from McNeese State University.  

In 1953, John began an extended and successful career as a teacher, coach, and school principal spanning from Abbeville to Vinton to Lake Charles High School. After retiring as Principal of LCHS, he continued to serve Calcasieu Parish as an elected School Board member for 20+ years. He proudly served as Vice President and President of the Calcasieu Parish School Board and later President of the Louisiana State School Board. In 1980, his hard work continued into a fulfilling second career as a consultant for Garber Industries. Mr. Falgout’s passion, virtue, and dedication can be found in the countless stories told by those whose lives he touched. John was an active member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus (3rd and 4th degree), LA School Board Association, National School Board Association, Southwest LA Principals’ Association, LA Principals’ Association, Calcasieu Education Association, LA Education Association, National Education Association, State and National Principals Association, TPA and Woodmen of the World Organizations, and National Association of Secondary School Principals Association. He was active in Louisiana, Southwest LA, and Calcasieu High School Athletic Associations. He served in the Air Force Reserves and retired at the rank of Captain. He was honored by USL in 1987 with the Outstanding Alumni Award for the Class of 1952.

Throughout his life he demonstrated a strong faith in God, love for his family, and an unwavering commitment to education and athletics. Whether he was boiling crawfish, barbecuing, playing golf, or joking and kidding with his friends and family, John instilled his virtues so that they may be carried on in the generations of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Mr. Falgout was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved wife, Jennie Lee; his parents, and five siblings, Herman, Howard, Frank, Mable and Myrtis.

He is also survived by five children and their spouses Charlene Falgout, Yvonne Chafin (Scott Chafin, Sr.), John Falgout, Jr. (Kristin Falgout), Paul Falgout (Karla Falgout), and Terry Falgout; along with eighteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; and a sister Lillian LeBlanc.

The family will welcome friends on Friday, June 11, 2021 at University Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA beginning at 5pm to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial, led by Msgr. Daniel A Torres will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at St. Margaret Catholic Church with burial to follow at Consolata Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Margaret Catholic Church, 2500 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA 70601

We invite you to sign his digital register book, leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.