Robert "Robbie" Dean Arnaud's Obituary
Robert Dean “Robbie” Arnaud made his last serious gesture on September 21, 2021 at the age of 67, when he left this life to proceed on to the road of more glorious deeds and antics. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Quirk & Son Funeral Home of Eunice.
When the doctors called his wife, Susan, and told her “your husband is very sick”, her reply was “tell me something I don’t know; he has been like this for years.” She would be the first to state that God broke the mold when Robbie was born. Robbie was born in the days of love, peace and rock ’n’ roll which filled his life with all sorts of pranks. His wife, children, grandchildren and friends were not immune to these pranks which often left them “fired up” and Robbie rolling with laughter. Laughter was his daily medicine and he shared it with all those who knew him.
He had a love for collecting things he “might” need. The family called it JUNK, but he called it “merchandise for future purposes”. He was a hoarder! He honestly thought his shop was organized because everything he needed was spread out amongst the floor, hung on walls and thrown in corners. When suggestions of organization were made, he would reply “Don’t touch it! I know where everything is at. “ This normally required making another trip to his beloved store, Harbor Freight, to purchase another tool. Perhaps he had stock in Harbor Freight?
Robbie lived by the words of his father, “Son, remember you have to give in order to receive.” This is what he did daily. He loved his community and gave back whenever he could and never expected recognition for doing so. Seeing him trying to explain to our elderly who are on set incomes that there was no charge for his services warmed the hearts of his family and taught them how to do so with grace and dignity. Yes, he would finally give in and tell the customer it cost a whole $5.00 for the tow.
Robbie was a “jack of all trades” donning all the hats we could think of. He was sometimes a lawyer, for he couldn’t help expressing his thoughts and ideas to Misty, Michael and Stan. He did not have to be solicited to give his opinion loudly and freely. The louder he got, the more passionate he felt. He was a medical professional for he was always telling Stacie some of those doctors just don’t know what they are talking about. He could only be in a closed room for so long before telling Kim Bellon that he made an appointment, so he wants to be seen at that time. Of course, she would joke back and say she was going to chase him down. He was a baseball coach because it was evident that as a spectator, he would call pitches from the stands. He was a karate instructor because no matter how Mr. Eddie told Wesley and Trae to perform a certain kick, it could be perfected. Oh, and let’s not forget a musician, telling Julie what songs she NEEDED to sing and how it could sound better. He was a psychiatrist to us all for his famous words to Bobby, Kaylyn and Lindsey were “You need to do this…..”, being very specific with his instructions. Robbie, the comedian, would conspire to get Mikey and Sean to be a part of his shenanigans at many of our local parks. To B’Laisyn and all the other grands, he was a man who knew something about everything. In all seriousness, he was a fantastic cook, wrecker and towing professional and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
However, despite wearing all those hats daily, Robbie chose to run his own business, Robbie’s Wrecker Service, for the past 49 years. His business was the vital lifeline to providing necessities for his wife and family, while allowing him to be a proficient member of his community. He loved his community and all the people he came to know.
Robbie’s request was to have no funeral, therefore this will be a celebration of his life. May you write your well wishes on your drink of choice (Dr. Pepper or Budweiser) or perhaps on the napkin of your cocktail in his honor once you are home. Remember to live life to the fullest and to laugh, laugh and laugh again. Robbie’s last post on Facebook for his birthday was to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. He said, “ I’ve chosen this non profit because their mission means a lot to me and I hope you’ll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me.” THEREFORE, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION IN HIS HONOR.
Robbie is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Susan Pellerin Arnaud; three children, Misty Prudhomme and husband Scott, Stacie Doucet and husband Jeremy, Robert Dean “Bobby” Arnaud, II and companion, Amery Fontenot; four brothers, Charles “David” Arnaud and wife Gina, Wilford Arnaud and wife Nanette, Kirk Nelson Arnaud, Steve Gautreaux and wife Chrystal; six sisters, Beverly “Nell” McGee, Wylma Luna and companion Scott Simar, Wilda Credeur and husband Bobby, Stephanie Fontenot and husband Randy, Theresa “Tracy” Edmond and husband Kevin, Roxanne Chapman and husband Brian; thirteen grandchildren, Michael Scott “Mikey” Prudhomme, Sean Prudhomme, Julie Claire Doucet, Lindsey Blaire
Doucet, Wesley Drake Coucet, Kaylyn Elise Arnaud, Trae Carter Arnaud, B’Laisyn John Heath Fontenot, Lakeyn Danae Sonnier, John Haydyn Sonnier, Dre’Vynn Wood, C’Lsey Wood, C'oledyn Oubre; blended family members, Jennifer Duplechain Sonnier, Nikkolette Littleton and husband Joshua and children; extended family, Paula Pellerin, Ethan Pellerin, Cassie Jeansonne, Sandhi Ton and Kami Poirier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Arnaud and Laura Mae Arnold Arnaud Fruge; his step-father, Fred Fruge; two brothers, Clyde Kent “Kenny-Boy” Arnaud, Gus Arnaud; one sister, Janice Loise “Jackie” Arnaud.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital doctors, nurses, staff and priest; Acadian Medical Center doctors, nurses, staff and administration; Dr. Sterns; Dr. Ehsan; Dr. Cambron; Kim Bellon, NP; Dr. Steve Nelson and Quirk’s Funeral Home and family.
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