John Lyall Broussard IV

John Lyall Broussard, IV, affectionately known as Pops, “Pastor” John, and Uncle Brother, suddenly and without warning, left his earthly home “running” into the loving arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, April 26, 2026. We can only imagine the welcome he received and the words he heard, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” He was also greeted by those who preceded him in death: his grandparents, John Lyall Broussard, Jr. and Marjorie Coleman Broussard, and Ethel Russell; his uncles, Don Russell, John Russell, James Russell, and Ralph Russell; and his aunts, Margaret Davlin, Evelyn Mitchell, Fran Farrah, Gloria Thompson, and Patricia Broussard Coleman.

John grew up running track from junior high, setting records for Grant High School. His talent earned him a scholarship and a place on the Louisiana Tech track team, where he graduated with a degree in Business Management and a minor in History. He proudly served in the National Guard and was a veteran of Desert Storm. John loved to hunt, fish, and most importantly, share Jesus with everyone he met.

He was an active member of Live Oak Baptist Church, which supported his ministry as a chaplain to the Breaking Chains, Sober Living houses in Baton Rouge. For 26 years, John was a dedicated business owner of Superior Professional Services, doing business as Construction Cleanup Services. He also faithfully volunteered with Louisiana Disaster Relief as a chaplain. John loved God and loved people, and he made it his life’s mission to help others come to know and love Jesus as well.

John faithfully lived out his most important calling—not just in title, but in purpose—as a servant of Christ. Whether known as “Pastor” John, Pops, or Uncle Brother, he embraced the charge of Acts 1:8 to be a witness “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” beginning right where he was planted—in his home, his church, and his community. He carried out the Great Commission with unwavering conviction, making disciples, sharing the Gospel at every opportunity, and leading many to Christ, including guiding numerous individuals in baptism as a public declaration of their faith. His leadership was never about position, but about obedience—teaching, loving, and pointing others toward salvation through Jesus.

Above all, John was devoted to his family, which he saw as his first ministry. He fiercely loved his family and worked tirelessly to provide for his “Queen,” as he lovingly called Theresa. Over their 33 years of marriage, they loved deeply, faced their share of disagreements, but always kept God at the center. John was often the one to initiate reconciliation—never wanting to go to bed angry and quick to offer forgiveness first. He was incredibly proud to become a father to Andrew and, in his excitement, took him to church the very next day after bringing him home from the hospital, eager to show him off while Theresa rested. Shortly after Andrew’s birth, John made the difficult decision to walk away from a “dream job” opportunity when he realized it would cost him precious family time, choosing instead to become his own boss so he could be present for his growing family. He was a proud and dedicated father to Andrew and Payton, cherishing every moment with them. Payton was truly a “Daddy’s girl” and didn’t begin walking until 13 months old because she was almost always in John’s arms. He embraced being a homeschooling dad, and through the flexibility of his work, treasured the countless days spent with his wife, children, and their beloved dogs—Baby Dog Broussard, Ean, and Cooper. Through his love and guidance, he also formed a deep and lasting bond with Devonta Alexander—one that grew into family, as John became both a mentor and a father figure to him and proudly considered him his second son.

He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him and leaves behind a legacy of putting God first, family second and career third. His love and compassion overflowed, and his work ethic was unparalleled—he worked tirelessly, under-promised and over-delivered, and showed up when others would not.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Theresa May Broussard; his son, Andrew Wesley Broussard; his daughter, Payton Elizabeth Broussard; and Devonta Alexander, his beloved second son. He is also survived by his parents, John L. Broussard III and Joyce Russell Broussard; his uncles, Robert Broussard (Kay) and Ronnie Broussard (Sue); his aunt, Darla Stegall; his in-laws, Wesley and Jean Sandiford; his sisters, Michelle Pogue (Jeff) and Amy Merrell (Mark); his nieces, Savannah Pogue, Lauren Pogue, and Addison Merrell; his nephews, Joel Pogue and Mason Merrell; along with a host of extended family, friends, and customers who will continue his legacy to love God and love people.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Live Oak Baptist Church, 35603 Coxe Ave, Denham Springs, LA 70706. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at noon