Ronald "Pudgie" K. Landry

With heavy hearts, but with gratitude for a life richly blessed, the family of Ronald K. “Pudgie” Landry announces his peaceful passing on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born in Tickfaw, Louisiana, on August 27, 1942, Pudgie was the beloved son of the late O.T. and Annie Barber Landry. He spent his childhood in Tickfaw, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life-faith in God, devotion to family, an honest day’s work, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He later made Springfield his home, where he built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendships.

Pudgie spent many years working as a boilermaker, earning the respect of everyone who knew him through his dedication, dependability, and quiet strength. While he was proud of his work, his greatest happiness was found outside. Whether hunting before sunrise, running a trout line or bird line, shrimping along the coast, trapping, or simply enjoying God’s creation, he found peace in the outdoors. It was where he felt most at home.

He also found great joy working alongside the love of his life, his wife, Milba “Janice” Landry, on the family’s cherished strawberry farm. Established by the Bazile family in 1926, the farm represented more than a livelihood-it was a treasured family legacy built on hard work, perseverance, and love. Together, Pudgie and Janice cared for the land and created a lifetime of memories that will continue for generations to come.

Pudgie and Janice shared a beautiful marriage for 61 years, a love story marked by unwavering devotion, mutual respect, and steadfast faith. Though Janice preceded him in death, their family finds comfort in knowing they are together again, reunited in the presence of the Lord.

If you knew Pudgie, you knew a man who never met a stranger. He loved visiting with friends, swapping stories, and reminiscing about the good old days. His gentle smile, easy laugh, and humble spirit made everyone feel welcome. He believed the best moments in life were the simple ones-sharing a meal with family, spending time outdoors, or enjoying the company of lifelong friends.

Above all else, Pudgie loved his family. Nothing brought him greater pride than watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. His legacy is not only found in the work of his hands but in the values he instilled, the traditions he preserved, and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Milba Janice Landry; his parents, O.T. and Annie Barber Landry; his brother, Mike Landry; and his sisters, Tami Landry Hale, and Dorothy Julia Landry Breland.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving children, Rhonda Poche and husband Darryl, Michelle Traylor and husband Dennis, and Mark Landry and wife Tiffany.

He was the proud grandfather of, Joshua Poche, Jonathan Poche and wife Suzana, Kristin Traylor and partner Anita, Ashleigh Traylor, Jesse Landry, Destiny Decota and husband Blake, and Chase Wright. He was also blessed with two precious great-grandchildren, Daisy Poche and Cypress Poche.

He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth “Sissy” Kyzar and Pat Johnson and husband Bob, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, neighbors, and many dear friends who were blessed to share in his life.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Pudgie’s life on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Carter Cemetery.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Pudgie has been welcomed home into the loving arms of his Savior and reunited with his beloved Janice. His life reminds us that true wealth is measured not by what we own, but by the love we share, the family we cherish, the friends we keep, and the legacy we leave behind.

Every strawberry season, every sunrise in the woods, every quiet morning on the water, and every story shared around the table will forever remind us of the remarkable man we were blessed to call husband, Daddy, Pawpaw, brother, uncle, and friend.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  John 14:1-3 (KJV)

Until we meet again, your stories will still be told, your laughter will echo through generations, and your love will forever remain in our hearts.