Matthew James Labbé

St. Martinville – A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church for Matthew James Labbé, 52, who passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017.
Visiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Fr. William Schambough was the celebrant at the Funeral Mass. Con-celebrants were Fr. Michael Champagne and Fr. Bryce Sibley. Readers werbe Annie Cavanaugh and Althea Labbé. Gift bearers were Kristin Labbé, Jill Guillotte and Emelie Labbé.
Interment followed at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville.
With his infectious personality, he worked for many years as a self-employed contractor, dozens of happy customers fast became his friends. Matt possessed a strong work ethic, and was thorough and detailed in his work. He most recently was employed by Flowers Bakery where he was a well-respected by his peers and his immediate supervisor.
Kristin and Matt have one daughter, E’milie. The center of his life, from infancy to adulthood, from diapers through high school soccer, he spent the majority of his time beside her. As her father, his love and devotion to E’milie, through good times and hard times, were consistent and constant.
Matt’s love was the beautiful Louisiana landscape, from the basin to the bayou, he enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and hiking. From childhood adventures through adulthood, the outdoors was his altar, offering him respite and restoration of spirit.
Matt was attentive to his family, his friends and he knew no strangers. He mostly thought of others before himself. He endured many personal struggles throughout his lifetime and until its end.
He loyally and valiantly and with all his might walked the path that God had chosen for him. He fought the fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith – he didn’t take any shortcuts. And in that way, his life is an example to all who were graced to witness it.
May Matt, a husband, a son, a father, a brother and uncle, a worker among workers, a friend among friends rest in eternal peace.
Matt is survived by his daughter, E’milie Labbé of Lafayette; his brother, Guy Labbé and wife Althea of Lafayette; his sisters, Chère Doiron and husband John Day of Memphis, Tenn. and Hassie Breaux and husband Chad of New Iberia; his companion, Kelly Caruso of Alexandria; and his former spouse, Kristin Lasseigne Labbé of New Iberia.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Labbé Jr.; mother, June Landreneau Labbé; a brother, Gerard Labbé; and a nephew, Jacob Breaux.
Pallbearers were Pierre Doiron, André Doiron, Dustin Fuselier, Ben Labbé, Kurt Richard, Kevin Kohnke and Kyle Nereaux.
Honorary pallbearers were Ronald Lasseigne, Frank Falcon and Luke Gonzales.
Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.