David Arthur LaBorde

As a young man working in his father’s cotton field in the 1950s, David LaBorde looked up into the skies as an airplane soared above. “That’s what I’m gonna do. I’m going to be up there.”

David Arthur LaBorde was born August 18, 1936 in the Swampers community of Franklin Parish, Louisiana. He was the first born to the union of Julian and Lowery “Sweet” Scott LaBorde. On the occasion of his first birthday in 1937, his mother wrote in her journal, “David’s birthday. He is walking independently. I baked him a cake and put a candle on it. He is so sweet.”

David grew up in the Swampers community, sharing chores and adventures with his two loving siblings, John “Bud” LaBorde and Audrey LaBorde Hoover. Dave showed his mechanical and creative gifts early in life, crafting items such as a parachute made of baby blankets, a sled made from a cultivator pulled behind a horse, and his first “motor cycle” made from a bicycle and washing machine motor. Bud often filled the roles of co-conspirator and test pilot, while Audrey tried to tag along but was often sent home when her older brothers threw corn cobs at her.

Dave was a member of Fish Bayou Baptist Church and graduated from Crowville High School in 1954. He then pursued his dream of conquering the skies above by enrolling at Northeast Louisiana State College (now ULM) where he was active in the Air Force ROTC. He graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering and entered active duty in the US Air Force in 1961 as a commissioned officer with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. During his service in the Air Force, David completed a Master’s Degree in Physics, and obtained his pilot’s license.

David served during the Vietnam Conflict as a Navigator on board the B-52 bomber and Electronic Warfare Officer on the AC-130 gunship. Through his years of service, he was awarded numerous citations and awards including, but not limited to, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Organizational Excellence Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Longevity Service Award. He retired from the Air Force in 1989 after having served at bases in Guam, Thailand, California, Louisiana, Texas, Ohio, and Florida. His final rank was that of Lt. Colonel, retiring as Development and Engineering Manager in the Armament Development Lab at Eglin Air Force Base, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. He continued his work in weapons development for another 10 years, working with a company in the private sector contracting with the Air Force.

When he did finally retire, Dave put his creativity and engineering skills to use for his friends and family. He constructed and perfected many unique and beautiful woodcraft items such as furniture, jewelry boxes, clocks, and numerous musical instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, a cello, a ukulele, and a violin. Those blessed and fortunate enough to have received a “Dave LaBorde Original”, know they have something special because he never made the same thing twice.

With his passing on May 17, 2022 in Ft Walton Beach, Dave leaves behind his devoted wife of almost 65 years, Sue Marshall LaBorde, formerly of Crowville. Their marriage was blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: son Mark LaBorde, wife Bonnie, children Daniel LaBorde and Melissa LaBorde Uptain, Gulf Shores, AL; daughter Karen Jeter, husband Mark, children Casey Schaffer Garrett, Cody Schaffer, Tallahassee, Courtney Schaffer, Gulf Shores; bonus grands Cole Jeter, Tallahassee, and Kaylee Jeter, Anniston, AL; son Scott LaBorde, wife Sara, children Lyndsey & Lauren LaBorde, Ft Walton Beach. Dave and Sue were excited to welcome their first great-grandchild, Matilda “Tilly” Garrett of Tallahassee. His siblings, John LaBorde of Orange, TX, and Audrey Hoover, of Winnsboro, LA will also miss him greatly, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation for David will be held at 1:00 PM, Fri, May 20th, 2022, at Dennard First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro, LA. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with Bro Marion Collier officiating. He will be buried in the LaBorde family plot at Harris Cemetery near Crowville.

The last few months of his life were impacted by illness and pain that slowed his pace, but never dimmed his brilliant mind or quick wit. With his passing, he has once again, “slipped the surly bonds of Earth… and touched the face of God.”

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