Van Ellender

Van Felix Ellender, 73, died Tuesday, August 5, 2014. He was a native and resident of Houma, LA. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2014 from 10:00a.m. to Noon at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 11, 2014 at Noon at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral with burial in St. Francis de Sales Cemetery #2. He is survived by his five siblings: Ernestine Springer and husband, Lawrence; Dr. S.E. Ellender and wife, Sandra Schmedtje Ellender; Jane E. Rabalais; Anne Phillips and husband, Morris; Robert Ellender; two aunts, Jeanette Boudreaux and Ethel Boudreaux. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. S. Ernest Ellender; his mother, Ernestine Boudreaux Ellender; his sister, Stephanie E. Maud; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Philip Rabalais. He was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales Boys School, USL, and Loyola Law School, and practiced law in Houma for 43 years until his retirement. Van was a member of the Terrebonne Black Bass Club, and an ardent supporter of coastal and environmental conservation programs. He was an avid fisherman and duck hunter, and loved his camp, ‘How Sweet It Is.’ He was also a sports enthusiast, especially for football and basketball, holding season tickets for Tulane and Saints football. He further loved baseball, going to training camps in the spring, and was proud to have visited the home stadium of every major league team. His interest in sports, history and travel led to many trips throughout the US & Canada by way of Amtrak. He also visited many parts of the world on cruises. One of his most memorable trips was on the last flight of the Concorde. However, his most meaningful trip was to the Holy Land. Pallbearers will be Stephen S. Ellender, Ernest C. Ellender, PhD, Brian A. Ellender, Scott Rabalais, MD, Sean Rabalais, Michael Springer, MD, Lawrence Springer and Philip J. Maud.