Photo: Kathleen Sylvester
Celebration of Life services for Jack Oliver Brittain, Sr., 87, (“Love one another” was his guide in life) will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches in the Crossroads Sanctuary at 411 Second Street. Officiating the Celebration will be Pastor Doug de Graffenried. Visitation with the family will be held from 9AM to 11AM in the same Crossroads Sanctuary. The burial will take place at a later date since he donated his body for medical science.
Mr. Brittain was born on September 24, 1928 in Greenwood, LA and left this life peacefully on January 11, 2016 in Natchitoches, LA. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Ann Williams Brittain, and his parents Clarence L. Brittain and Irene Humphries Brittain.
He is survived by his 7 children: Jack Oliver “Britt” Brittain, Jr., J.D.; Marguerite Ann “Cissy” Brittain Picou, M.D. and husband, Bryan, M.D.; Rebecca Ann “Becky” Brittain Morris, C.P.A. and husband Wallace; Lala Elizabeth Ann Brittain Sylvester, Judge, J.D. and husband Russell, J.D.; Eliza Ann Brittain Behrendsen and husband, Gunnar; John Arthur Brittain, J.D.; and Mary Jane Ann “Cookie“ Brittain Richardson and husband, Kirk.
Also, 16 grandchildren: Marguerite Ann “Megan” Picou Bishop and husband, Ashley; Sara Elizabeth Picou McCann and husband, Gabe; Catherine Grace “Catie” Picou Oryl , J.D., and husband, Ben; and Bryan Anthony “T’ Bryan” Picou, Jr., M.D. and wife, Kassi; Winnfield Hancock “Winn” Morris; Wade Hampton Morris and wife, Kat; Lala Brittain “Brittany” Sylvester; Courtney Elisabeth Ann Sylvester, J.D.; Ashley Kathleen Sylvester, J.D.; Kathleen Marie Sylvester; Behrend Brittain Behrendsen; Ashton Lafitte Behrendsen; Sydney Elisabeth Brittain; Ann Marie “Annie” Brittain; Stanley John “Stan” Richardson, II; and Richard Blanchard Richardson.
Also, 8 great grandchildren: Ella, Liam, and Andrew McCann; Mack and Mollie Oryl; Amelia, Oliver, and Eleanor Picou;
Mr. Brittain graduated from Ouachita Parish High School 1945, La. Tech B.A. 1949, and LSU Law Center, J.D. 1957. He practiced law for 54 years; was a star running back and defensive back at La. Tech, having lettered all four years he played when they wore leather helmets with no face masks; and scored his first college touchdown at 16.
Further, he was qualified to practice law in many courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and Louisiana Supreme Court. He was often recognized and highly regarded in his legal profession both locally and nationally.
Additionally, Mr. Brittain was in the businesses of timber, pecans, cotton, cattle, corn, and soybeans. He was also in the rental business and owned Beau Fort Plantation Home established in 1790, which was on the National Register for historical places. He continued to preserve historic structures in the Natchitoches National Historic Downtown District and Cane River area. He was a promoter of the arts, especially the works of Clementine Hunter who lived on his farm.
He served his country on active duty in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 and also served for two years in the Louisiana National Guard. He entered the military as a private and was honorably discharged as a major.
Some of his civic accomplishments were President and “Man of the Year” of the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, President and “Young Man of the Year” of the Natchitoches Jaycees, served as Jaycee National Director for Louisiana, President of the Plantation Club, and King - Rex XLVII - for the Cotillion -Holiday in Dixie. He was also active in politics, having been a delegate to the 1968 and 1972 Democratic National Conventions. He actively supported candidates he thought would be good public servants.
He was very active for over 50 years in the First United Methodist Church and served in many capacities as a trustee, Kids Hope Mentor, Methodist Youth Groups, etc. He loved his church and was faithful and true to it.
Mr. Brittain was a great father, a kind and hard working man, and most importantly he was a good person that loved God and everyone.
Donations in memory of Mr. Brittain may be made to the following charities in Natchitoches: First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches, St. Mary’s Foundation, Ann and Jack Brittain Family Scholarship Fund at NSU, or a charity of your choice.
He never forgot his humble beginnings and helped so many who were less fortunate.
NPJ | January 14, 2016 at 7:55 am | Categories: News | URL: http://wp.me/p5VQCS-1ol
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