Shelby H. LaCroix, age 77, of Woodway, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 14, at home surrounded by his family. Born Dec. 18, 1946, in Hammond, La., Shelby was the son of the late Rebecca (Rayford) Barnett and Shelby H. LaCroix Sr. On May 2, 1975, Shelby married the love of his life, Janie (Stine) LaCroix. After their marriage of 48 years, Janie survives him. Shelby was a graduate from Northwestern University in Natchitoches. Later he received his master’s while stationed in Little Rock, Ark. at Webster University in hospital administration. He joined the U.S. Air Force, where he flew the C-130 in Vietnam for two tours and 197 missions. He served in active duty for 14 years as a Major, then joined the Air Force Reserves as a Hurricane Hunter. Later, he became a Captain for Southwest Airlines until he retired in 2006 at age 60. Soon after retirement, Shelby founded Great Western Valve in 2007. He always enjoyed spending time with his family as well as in the outdoors. As his wife’s business manager for LaCroix Art Studio, he loved supporting her in her sculpting business.

In addition to his wife, Shelby is survived by four sisters, Becky (Robert) Nance of Baton Rouge, La., Nan (Danny) Laughlin of Sulphur, La., Nina (Donald) Whatley of Sulphur, La., and Jan Vitrine of Denham Springs, La.; four daughters, Andrea (Matthew) Stroia of New Castle, Pa., Lindsay (Michal) Piechl of Waco, Texas, Jane Kouloumoundras of Woodway, Texas, and Leslie (Philip) Ross of San Antonio, Texas.  He is also survived by 15 grandchildren. Along with his parents, Shelby is preceded in death by one son, Trey LaCroix. 

A memorial service with military rites will be held in Sulphur, La., on May 18 at 12:30 p.m. at Dutch Cove Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnson and Robison Funeral Home in Sulphur, La.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at Robisonfuneralhome.com.