John Herman Brasseaux

Dr. John Herman Brasseaux, Professor Emeritus of Accounting at the University of New Orleans, died peacefully, just as he lived, on August 24, 2020.  He was 90 years old.

Dr. Brasseaux was born in the southwest Louisiana town of Church Point on October 26, 1929, three days before the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression. The oldest of four children from parents Lezia Brasseaux and Eula Fontenot, Herman was raised on a small cotton farm outside of town without the benefit of electricity, indoor plumbing, or other modern amenities. During that time Herman grew up speaking French and did not learn English until he started public school. 

After graduating high school as valedictorian in 1947, Herman enrolled at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as University of Louisiana at Lafayette). There, he graduated with honors, in August of 1950, earning a degree in Accounting. One year later he was awarded an MBA from LSU in Baton Rouge. After which he was promptly drafted into the military in September 1951, for a two-year commitment in the United States Marine Corps. After completion of boot camp in San Diego, California, he married the former Polly Clavier, also of Church Point, in November 1951 and then reported to his first duty station in Barstow, California. From there he was sent to Marine Barracks Washington D.C., where he served in a ceremonial company whose duties included funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery and honor guard detail for state functions. He was honorably discharged in September 1953 at the rank of Sergeant.

Herman, along with Polly, moved back to Louisiana to then join the faculty at USL until the summer of 1955, when he enrolled in the Accounting PhD program at LSU. After graduating in August 1958 with his doctorate, he joined the faculty of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston for one year. Then he moved to New Orleans to become an Associate Professor of Accounting at LSU New Orleans, now known as University of New Orleans. Two years later he was promoted to full Professor and was appointed Chairman of the Accounting Department, a position he held for 20 years. During this time, he authored several textbooks on auditing practices still used today, sat on the AICPA board creating standards in Generally Accepted Account Principles (GAAP), and proudly taught many students still serving in the accounting industry today.

In 1983 he resigned his position at UNO and accepted a position with the faculty of Loyola University in New Orleans. In 1985 he returned to UNO, where he stayed until retiring from university teaching in 1991.

Herman is survived by his loving wife Polly C. Brasseaux with whom he has been married for 68 years. He is survived by his children: Pamela Brasseaux Bordelon (Kirk), Patricia Brasseaux Sutherland (Wayne), John Herman Brasseaux II, Phyllis Susan Brasseaux Meredith; and the late beloved Donald Brent Brasseaux. Additionally, survived by his grandchildren: Bryan Bordelon (Angele), Damon Sutherland, Dannon Sutherland (Dale), Kyle Meredith, Shelby Meredith, and Lacie Sutherland. Furthermore, survived by his Great Grandchildren: Andrew and Aubree Bordelon; Ethan and Everett Sutherland.  He was the brother of Geraldine Brasseaux Hilburn, Leona Brasseaux Daugereaux and the late Ramona Brasseaux Daigle. Lastly, survived by nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana 70001, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Please note that due to the current State restrictions visitation is limited to a total of 50 people so close friends and family only are permitted. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow immediately thereafter in Garden of Memories Cemetery. To offer condolences and send flowers please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

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