JOHN KIRBY LAUR
John Kirby Laur, age 72, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Slidell, Louisiana. Born on January 16, 1952, in Amarillo, Texas, he was the beloved son of Mary Kirby Laur and Dr. William Edward Laur.
John grew up as one of four brothers, all sharing a sharp sense of humor and a knack for mischief. Their childhood was full of unforgettable adventures, each story sparking more laughter than the last. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1970 before pursuing his passion for architecture. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University (1972–1977) and his Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech (1977–1979), setting the foundation for an exceptional career.
A distinguished architect, John devoted 43 years to his profession, specializing in healthcare design. As Principal and Healthcare Studio Leader at Dekker/Perich/Sabatini in Albuquerque, New Mexico, John’s visionary work transformed countless hospitals, surgical centers, and diagnostic facilities. One of a select few Board-Certified Healthcare Architects nationwide, he combined innovation with precision, leaving an enduring mark on the field. Before his tenure at D/P/S (2004–2022), John was the Owner and Principal of JKL Architecture in Tulsa, Oklahoma (1983–2004), and began his career as a designer and project architect at Urban Design Group in Tulsa (1979–1983).
After retiring in 2022, John and his wife, Frances, relocated to Slidell, LA, to be closer to family. In retirement, he embraced life fully, finding joy in painting, traveling, playing golf, and engaging in horse racing analytics and data analysis. Above all, he cherished time spent with his loved ones.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Frances Fulps Laur, and his children: Seth Price (Clair) of New Orleans; Austen Laur (Alexa) of Tulsa; Gail Laur Snopko (Matthew) of Tulsa; and Jason McDuffie of New Jersey. He also leaves behind his brothers, Eric Laur of Amarillo, Edward Laur (Marla) of Amarillo, and Mike Laur (Shelley) of Heathsville, Virginia.
A private family gathering will be held to celebrate John’s life and legacy. His family takes comfort in knowing he left this world having profoundly impacted both his profession and those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s memory to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
LINDA RUTH FRYER PETERSON
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Ruth Fryer Peterson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. Linda left this world on November 22, 2024, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.
Linda was born on September 26, 1946, in Sanford, Florida, to her devoted parents, Robert J. Fryer Sr. and Katherine A. Fryer.
For the past 47 years, she was a proud resident of Pearl River, Louisiana, where she made her home, raised her family, and built countless cherished memories.
Linda shared her life with her adoring husband, James H. Peterson Jr., and together they built a family filled with love and laughter.
She was the devoted mother of Timothy (Timmy) Peterson, Tina Peterson, Allen Fryer (Jennifer), and the late James (BooBoo) H. Peterson III. Her grandchildren were the light of her life: Timothy (TJ) Peterson Jr. (Ami), Kristen Peterson, Taylor Bunch (Mark), James (Jamie) H. Peterson IV (Derik), Brooke Peterson, Bentley Fryer, Brody Fryer, and the late Joshua K. Peterson and Jordan S. Peterson. Her legacy continued with her cherished great-grandchildren: Mya, Madison, Amelia Grace, Meredith, Elijah, Tate, Olivia, and Rosalie. Linda was also a loving sister to her siblings: Robert J. Fryer, Renee Dugas (Jay), the late Elizabeth Boyd, John Henry Fryer, Monroe A. Fryer Sr., and William O. Fryer.
She was not only a sibling but also a friend and confidant, embodying the strength and love that held her family together.
Her interests reflected her vibrant personality. Linda found joy in watching cooking shows, dreaming of lottery-winning homes, indulging in QVC treasures, and savoring heartwarming Hallmark movies. Above all, her greatest passion was her family, and she was happiest when surrounded by those she loved.
Linda was not only survived by her immediate family but also by a host of other relatives and dear friends whose lives she touched with her unconditional love and generous spirit. She will be remembered as the greatest woman who ever lived—a beacon of light, love, and kindness in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though the world has lost an extraordinary soul, heaven has gained an angel. Linda Ruth Fryer Peterson’s love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those she left behind.
Services to honor Linda will be Monday December 16t at 6:30 p.m. at Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 North Causeway Blvd. Mandeville La. 70471.
MARION TERESA CORTEZ VICKNAIR
Marion Teresa Cortez Vicknair, age 94, went to her eternal rest with the Lord on November 29th, 2024. She was born on August 23rd, 1930. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 74 years, Thomas C. Vicknair, Sr.
She also leaves behind three children, Lawrence Michael Vicknair (Suzanne), Thomas C. Vicknair, Jr. and Crystal Vicknair, three granddaughters, Abbie Vicknair, Amy Johnson, and Madelynn Farmer (Jimmy), three great grandsons, Zachary Frost, William and Thomas Farmer.
She was a wife, mother, and a homemaker. Originally from Ponchatoula, LA, she moved to Slidell in 1956. She loved cooking, sewing, caring for her family and attending church at the Community Christian Church in Slidell, LA. The family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care she received from the nurses and staff of Interim Hospice.
SAMUEL HARRIS JR.
Samuel Harris Jr., age 61, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on November 27, 2024.
Survived by one daughter, Brandy Hopkins, of Slidell, LA., mother, Eliza Louise Harris of Slidell, LA., one brother Lenzel Harris of Slidell, LA., five sisters: Velicia Landry, of Lake Charles, LA., Patricia Barnes, Mardetra Harris, Candace Harris, and Ramona Harris all of Slidell, LA., a host of nieces, nephews. aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his father, Samuel Harris Sr., siblings, Anges Moore, Jerry Harris, and Brent Harris.
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 14, 2024, at 11 a.m., visitation from 9 a.m., until 11 am., at Quillen Temple Church, 813 Stanley Street, Slidell, LA. Burial in the Salvation Cemetery, Slidell LA.
Honaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For more information on services, contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 or online at: honakerforestlawn.com)
Ann Louise LeBlanc Maurer, age 71, of Lacombe, LA, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024.
A native of Baton Rouge, she was a former resident of Pride and Baywood, both in Louisiana, before moving to Lacombe five years ago.
She was an accountant for many years, working for several different companies, including Prudential Insurance, the Department of Labor, Crown Zellerbach and Exxon Mobil Chemical.
A devout Catholic and parishioner at St. John of the Cross, she was involved in several groups such as Militia Immaculata, Knights at the Foot of the Cross, America Needs Fatima and Rosary Armada. She was also a former member of the Home School Legal Defense Association.
Williams Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For information on services, contact Williams Funeral Home at 863-5733, or go visit: dtwilliamsfuneralhome.com)
James “Jake” Polk, age 83, of Pearl River, LA, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
A graduate of Slidell High, he played for the 1959 state championship basketball team, then earned an Education degree at Southeastern, and was a teacher and coach for 31 years in the parish school system.
He loved coaching and his horses.
Raymond “Mr. Magoo” Lewis Doty, age 50, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024.
He loved watching wrestling in his spare time.
Audubon Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For information on services, contact Audubon at 985-645-0600 or online at: audubonfuneralhome.com)
Albert Jacob Timmreck, Jr., age 89, of Lacombe, LA, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024.
A native of New Orleans, he attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans and served in the La. Air National Guard, before working at West Electric for his career.
He was a connoisseur collector of the finest junk and collectibles, and enjoyed collecting stamps and antiques, loved Louisiana seafood and the outdoors.
Thomas David Steins, age 76, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
Born in Buffalo, NY, he served in the U.S. Marine Corp, stationed in Japan and Hawaii, earning the national Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Rifle Badget.
He later attended ITT Technical Institute to earn an Applied Science degree, then had a career with the Post Office.
In his spare time he was an avid fisherman, coin collector and loved nature.
Colette Sciortino Rosenbohm, age 86, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Born in New Orleans, she was a skilled bookkeeper in her professional career, and was a woman of faith.
She loved dancing, Mardi Gras balls, the holidays, casinos and the beach.