Robert Kenneth Guillory Sr.'s Obituary
Robert Kenneth Guillory, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the age of 90. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Hampton Davis Celebrant. Entombment will follow in St. Paul Cemetery in the family mausoleum.
At the request of family, everything will be held at the church. A Rosary will be led by Father Henry Broussard at 11:30 AM on Friday, followed by visitation until time of Services at 1:00 PM.
Robert attended St. Edmund High School, then Eunice High School, graduating at the age of 15. He then, at the age of 15, attended SULA business school in New Orleans majoring in accounting and completed an eighteen-month program in only six weeks. Then, at the age of 16, he enrolled at LSU and completed his Bachelor and Law Degree at the age of 20, but the minimum age to take the Bar Exam was 21. It was fortunate that his father, Isom Guillory, Sr. was able to find legal exceptions due to Robert’s draft status. He was drafted into the military during the Korean War at the age of 20 and served as a Lieutenant, training soldiers in heavy artillery such as Howitzers. He then became a second Lieutenant and served as an attorney and remained state-side.
Once released from military duty, Robert practiced law with Judge and State Representative Isom J. Guillory, Sr., Isom J. Guillory, Jr., Judge Frank McGee, Donald Mayeaux, Esp., John Fontenot, Esq. and Clint Bischoff, Esq.
Prior to holding political office, Robert K. wrote the Bill for Senator Fruge regarding the Eunice/Ville Platte Louisiana State University Junior College and skillfully added the term “at Eunice”, which is now known as LSUE. His political slogan was “A Young Man of Action”. In November of 1971, he was elected Louisiana State Senator representing St. Landry Parish and portions of Lafayette Parish, his term running from 1972 -1976. He was 39 years of age.
One of his accomplishments as a Senator is working diligently to pass the North South Toll Road from Shreveport to Lafayette. His greatest opposition wanted the road extending from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, but he successfully negotiated the Lafayette route. After passing the state bill approving the route, He went to Washington DC and received support from US Senator Russell Long, who advanced Robert’s Toll Road to a federally funded highway now known as I-49.
Senator R.K. Guillory also authored and passed the Uninsured Motorist Act, making Louisiana one of the first states to adopt such automobile insurance coverage. He also proposed a Louisiana State Lottery in his term as Senator, but it was unsuccessful at that time.
Robert’s first marriage to Nelwyn Bertrand Guillory blessed him with three sons, Dr. Bob Guillory and wife Toni, Richard Guillory and wife Reenae, Rhett Guillory and wife Lori; one daughter, Carlyn Artigue and husband Mike. His second marriage to Lula Deshotel Guillory blessed him three more times with Jacqueline Garcia and husband Brian, N. Paul Landreneau, MD and wife Julie and Michael C. Landreneau.
He also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Isom J. Guillory, Sr. and Marie Picou Guillory; one brother, Judge Isom J. Guillory, Jr.; two sisters, Eloise Dischler, Evelyn Broussard.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Guillory, Jr., Richard R. Guillory, Rhett B. Guillory, Dr. Paul Landrenau, Michael Landreneau and Stevie Artigue.
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