Alvin Henry Landry

Lt. Col. Alvin H. Landry, U.S. Air Force Reserves (retired) died peacefully in his home on May 12, 2023 surrounded by his family at the age of 98 years. He was born June 21, 1924, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to the late Felix H. Landry and Marguerite DeBlieux Landry. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Helen Sherrard Landry, children: Elizabeth Scheer (Douglas), Marguerite Dietrich (Charles), Alvin L. Landry (Kari), Suzanne Landry (Rebecca McFarlain) and Diana Matherne (Brandon). He is survived by his 9 grandchildren: Erin Alabaster, Matthew Scheer, Tyler Dietrich, Myles Landry, Todd Landry, Kristen Cabos, Carmann Hoover, Marguerite Matherne, Marshall Matherne and 6 great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Rosina Leonpacher (the late Erwin) and many nieces and nephews.
He was raised in Lafayette and graduated from Lafayette Senior HS in June 1941. He attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute majoring in Chemical Engineering and completed his degree at LSU in 1949 after proudly serving his country during World War II.
He voluntarily joined the Army Air Force in 1943. After completing basic training and receiving an officer’s commission, he was selected to attend meteorology school at the University of New Mexico and California Institute of Technology from which he earned a Masters of Science in Meteorology. During WW II, he served in the Pacific theater in a logistics support role.
He met Helen while attending LSU and they were married on June 3, 1950. Together they raised 5 children and resided in River Ridge, Louisiana, for the past 70 years. He was employed at the Shell Oil Company Norco Refinery for 35 years. He was widely recognized for his overall knowledge of all aspects of the refinery and often asked to consult on new projects.
He and Helen were founding members of St. Matthew the Apostle church in River Ridge and he was active in the Usher’s Society for many years. He typically served at the early masses. In addition, he served in the US Air Force Reserves in a military intelligence unit for 30 years and retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal in recognition of his distinguished service.
He was an avid duck hunter and fisherman with many friends and stories to share. He was a loving and generous father to his children and instilled in them his love of the outdoors. He was also an excellent cook specializing in Cajun cuisine and his many cookbooks and recipes will be lovingly passed down to the next generations.
A memorial service and mass will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA. Visitation hours will be 11:00 am – 1:00 pm followed by a Catholic Mass and burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew the Apostle Church, 10021 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, LA 70123. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Alvin Henry Landry, please visit our Tree Store.