In Memoriam
Lionel Joseph Landry Passes Away At 85
Lionel Joseph Landry
Lionel Joseph Landry passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at 85 years of age at Anderson Memory Care in Slidell, LA. Born on February 3, 1940, in New Orleans, LA, he attended Sacred Heart High School, where he met the love of his life, Karen Kathryn Krause. Upon graduation, he earned his Business degree and Master’s in Business Administration from Louisiana State University (LSU) and married Karen. They soon began their family with the birth of daughter Robyn in 1964 and son Keith in 1967.
Lionel began his career at Humble Oil in the Grand Isle, LA, office. After several years there, he accepted a position with the Southern Pine Association which later became the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) in Metairie, LA, as office manager in 1966. Three years later, he was promoted to corporate secretary and director of the Forest Products Machinery and Equipment Exposition (EXPO). In all, Lionel planned and directed all EXPO-related meetings and trade show activities for 18 shows from 1967 to 2001, becoming the longest serving director of the EXPO.
In 2003, Lionel became the president of SFPA and served in that role until his retirement in 2005. During his career, Lionel was generous with his time and served as a mentor to countless people. He led with dignity and grace, always having a kind word for others, and left an indelible impact on the organization and the industry.
Lionel was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished spending time with his family and creating memories. He got great joy from seeing smiles appear on his grandchildren’s faces, whether at the beach, on the ball field or the stage. Lionel was an avid hunter and loved traveling with his wife, Karen. They visited many parts of the United States, countless countries over the years, and enjoyed cruising. They could be found almost weekly dancing together amongst friends with the Jamaican Dance Club, where he became a sought-after instructor. Lionel could be found just about any football weekend in front of the television watching his beloved LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints.
Lionel was preceded in death by his father Leon Landry, mother Annie Dugas Landry, sister Isabelle Sunseri Riso and son Keith Michael Landry. He is survived by daughter Robyn Stephens (Jesse “Bert”), grandchildren Jesse Stephens, Jr., Courtney Stephens, Sara Landry, Michael Landry, daughter-in-law Marcelle Landry, sister Velma Elmer and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanked the devoted staff at Anderson Memory Care for their constant loving attention and support for Lionel and Karen, as well as the family. Relatives and friends were invited to visit St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 901 Beverly Garden Dr., Metairie, LA 70002, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM. A Funeral Mass followed the visitation at noon. The burial was held at Greenwood Cemetery. Others are invited to share their thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at greenwoodfh.com.
