WP “Skipper” Hastings, 81, of Lebleu Settlement, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

A 1961 graduate of Sulphur High School, where he was voted Mr. Sulphur High. Skipper went on to study at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La. He began his professional journey in local industries, dedicating two decades to the field while simultaneously serving as a sheriff’s deputy.

Skipper’s passion for public service extended into the criminal justice system. As a Paralegal/Investigator under District Attorneys, Frank T. Salter Jr. and Leonard Knapp,Jr., he played a key role in founding the state District Attorney’s Association Investigator’s Section. His career evolved into serving as a court attorney investigator and later as the first Judicial Court Administrator for the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish, a position he held for 25 years before retiring.

Never one to be confined to a single career, Skipper also owned and operated commercial shrimping boats, combining his love for the outdoors with his entrepreneurial spirit.

In his retirement, Skipper pursued his passion for agriculture, raising and showing Red Brangus cattle, and achieving notable success, including a win at the Houston Open. Later, he shifted his focus to raising exotic deer and antelope, always embracing new challenges and adventures.

To know Skipper was to love him. His wife, Gary, fondly recalls that he lived four lifetimes in one, filling each day with excellence, purpose, and joy. He was a man of integrity, boundless energy, and a deep commitment to his family and community.

Skipper leaves behind his devoted wife, Gary Hastings; two sons, Trent Hastings (wife, Farrah) of DeQuincy, and Layne Hastings (Roxanne Cloud) of Mississippi, and six cherished grandchildren,  Hallee Hastings and Tanner Reid of DeQuincy, Jordan Hastings, Regan Hastings, Jacob Hastings, and Ryan Hastings of Lake Charles and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving parents.

Of all his accomplishments, his proudest moment was when he dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized by his friend Brother Dale Nazworth. Skipper’s legacy of love, service, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His memory is a testament to a life well lived and profoundly loved. 

A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held at Johnson Funeral Home Thursday, Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the funeral will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 with visitation at noon.