Luiz Rodriguez Zavala

Luiz “Papa Lou” Zavala, 68, passed away after his short battle with pancreatic cancer on February 13, 2025 in his home in Lacombe, Louisiana. He was surrounded by his loving companion of 40 years along with family and close friends.

Lou grew up as a little rascal tearing up the streets of Wilmington, CA. He was your typical rebellious teenager, in and out of trouble and leading his rat pack of eight brothers and sisters through various adventures of mischief. In 1995, he began a new life for himself along with his companion, Joy, and baby girl, Krystal, in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Here, he began working at Trinity Yachts becoming a carpenter and HVAC technician until the company closed in 2015. He was most recently employed at Eagle Construction, a company that took very good care of him.

Papa Lou will be remembered for his infectious laughter and the countless memories created with those he loved. He became a man of integrity and was always there and ready with a helping hand along with a sarcastic comment or joke. Papa Lou was extremely passionate about his family. He was the biggest supporter and cheerleader, always encouraging and supporting his family anyway he could. Luiz was preceded in death by his mother Sara and his daughter Michelle and is survived by his loving companion, his 2 daughters, 3 granddaughters, 5 brothers, 3 sisters and his father.

He will be forever missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and the love he shared will continue to live on in our memories and hearts.

If you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, you can donate to Krystal's Transplant fund at the following Venmo: @RobertandKrystal-Chaisson